An incident occurred near Chinatown! A Filipino female vendor in Tondo was robbed by two motorcyclists, leading to a thrilling police chase!
A robbery took place in the Tondo area of Manila, where a 45-year-old female street vendor was robbed by two young men on Alvarado Road. The police were alerted and immediately launched a pursuit, resulting in a dramatic chase through the streets at night.
The local police chief, Officer Alvin Christopher Baybayan, mentioned that there was a gun ban checkpoint nearby due to the midterm elections, which the victim approached for help immediately after being robbed.
The police had the victim ride on their motorcycle to chase the suspects and eventually apprehended the two robbers on P. Sanchez Street in Tondo.
The police found a gun loaded with three bullets on the suspects and recovered the stolen waist bag containing an ID card, jewelry, and a mobile phone, with a total value of about 20,000 pesos.
The robbed female vendor recounted the incident, stating that it happened just as she was closing her stall to go home.
She said, "I was walking when suddenly two men sandwiched me. One man grabbed one of my shoulders and pressed a hard object against me, which I saw was a gun. He said, 'Don't scream, or I'll kill you.' The other man grabbed my waist bag. It contained my TIN ID, my jewelry, and my mobile phone."
The police used this incident to remind the public that individuals walking alone in dark areas are easy targets for robbers. Officer Baybayan said, "They target those who are easy to attack. Perhaps because she was a woman and the alley was dark, she became a target for crime."
Additionally, the police emphasized the importance of the COMELEC checkpoints, which are not only for the upcoming elections. "The COMELEC checkpoints currently being implemented by the police are of great help. They can prevent crimes in our area," added Officer Baybayan.
It is worth noting that the two suspects admitted to the crime after being caught but claimed they were compelled by life's hardships. One suspect said, "It's all because we're driven by necessity. To buy the things we need. We hope you can forgive us. Life here is very tough."
In response, netizens criticized, "Does being driven by necessity justify going out and robbing people?"
