Man arrested after failed taxi robbery in Iloilo City

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 30-year-old unemployed man was arrested after allegedly attempting to rob a taxi driver early afternoon on Jan. 16 in Jaro district, Iloilo City.

The suspect, identified only by the alias Mark, was arrested following a hot pursuit operation at a relative’s house in Barangay San Pedro, Jaro.

Police reports said the suspect hailed a taxi at GT Mall in Pavia, Iloilo.

He instructed the driver, a 55-year-old man identified as Joseph from Barangay Camambugan, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, to take him to Robinsons Place in the City Proper district.

“However, he changed his mind when he arrived on his supposed destination,” said Maj. Eduardo Siacon Jr., chief of Iloilo City Police Station 9.

The suspect then told the driver he would instead do his laundry and asked to be taken to Jaro.

While the taxi was navigating Barangay Javellana, Jaro, at around 2 p.m., the suspect allegedly declared a holdup.

He reportedly choked the driver from behind using his arm.

Moments later, the driver said the suspect loosened his grip while rummaging through his pocket.

Joseph took the opportunity to stop the vehicle and immediately jumped out.

CCTV footage showed the suspect also alighted from the taxi and fled the scene, taking PHP 700 from the driver.

Siacon said the driver reported the incident about an hour later.

Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and arrested the suspect in Barangay San Pedro.

The suspect remains in police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges.