Three riders nabbed after police chase

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two motorcycle drivers and a back rider were arrested after they allegedly challenged policemen to a chase early morning of March 20, 2022 at City Proper district, Iloilo City.

Police identified the suspects as Jonard Franco, 45, of Barangay Sinikway, Lapuz, Iloilo City; and Donny Aquidado 20, and his back rider Christopher Benjamin, 23, both residents of Barangay Jalondoni Estate Lapuz, Iloilo City were also arrested.

Patrolmen Ronelio Ardonia Jr. and Nelvib Daza Jr., both assigned to the Iloilo City Police Office’s (ICPO) Mobile Patrol Unit, nabbed Franco at JM Basa Street, Barangay Maria Clara around 2:51 a.m. Sunday.

On the other hand, Aquidado and Benjamin were arrested 3:05 a.m. along Muelle Loney Street, Barangay Yulo Arroyo.

The three suspects allegedly violated Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person) while the two drivers will also face a charge for driving without license under Republic Act 4136.

Prior to their arrest, police were conducting a saturation drive along Ledesma Street when they passed by two motorcycles and spotted the suspects as they were not wearing any crash helmet.

At that time, the suspects were talking to women standing at the roadside.

When police alighted to check on them, the suspects immediately sped off towards Valeria Street.

Police ran after them thinking they were carrying illegal items.

The arresting cops claimed that Benjamin was even gesturing to chase them.

Aquidado headed to Yulo Street while Franco turned right towards J.M. Basa Street.

Police chased Franco until he was cornered in front of Sarabia Pawnshop at JM Basa St. He was also issued a citation ticket for driving without helmet and his blue Honda Click 125i motorcycle (temporary plate number 0601-0854416) was seized.

Police later learned that Aquidado and Benjamin lost control of the motorcycle and bumped into a street barrier at Muelle Loney St. They also took into custody his black Yamaha Mio 125 motorcycle with no plate number.

Aquidado suffered minor injuries and was treated immediately.

All three suspects are now detained and will be charged accordingly.