ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan - Operatives of Alaminos City Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) nabbed suspects allegedly responsible for series of bag slashing, pick-pocketing and swindling incidents in the city.

Chased and arrested at the city proper last Sunday morning were Estrella S. Basuel and Suzette I. Tinaza of Brgy. Ilocano Sur and IV Sevilla Center, respectively of San Fernando City, La Union.

The suspects were first spotted at a drug store and about to take away the wallet of Mr. Hilario Vallejo, an 80 year old U.S. pensioner and resident of Brgy. Tangcarang, this city.

POSO personnel immediately ran after and apprehended them even before the victim could alert the traffic aides and seek help from the bystanders.

The third suspect, identified by her companion as Shirley Basuel, and who served as look-out of the group, though eluded arrest and even carted away the victim’s wallet containing different documents and identification cards and cash money amounting to P2,000.00.

Basuel and Tinaza were later positively identified by the victim and were detained at the POSO detention cell. Both are now facing theft charges.

Retired Major Mar Rabaja, POSO chief, said the notorious purse-snatchers were caught unaware by the operatives having been directed to wear civilian clothes while on duty.

He added that further investigation conducted by his office revealed that the suspects have existing derogatory records, especially Suzette Tinaza who have pending cases of theft and estafa in Baguio City.

“The suspects could be linked to more theft cases in the province so we are coordinating with other LGUs and PNP stations,” Rabaja said.

Acting on numerous complaints and reports received by his office, Rabaja ordered two months ago the tight monitoring on places where the incidents of bag slashing, pick-pocketing and swindling (budol-budol) were committed.

Records from POSO that the suspects usually strike in crowded places like the markets, mall, groceries and even in banks. And they do it especially during market and weekdays and most of their victims are elderly persons. (CIO)