By Jennifer P. Rendon
Footages from closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras aided police investigators in arresting a porter who allegedly robbed an Indian moneylender.
Steven Puda Jr., 22, was nabbed at his house at Barangay Ingore, La Paz, Iloilo City around 2:45 a.m. of Sunday, May 16.
Major Jose Val Ladublan said that Puda was identified through CCTV footages after he allegedly robbed Mandeep Dhaliwal Singh at Barangay Hinactacan, La Paz around 12:35 p.m. Saturday.
The alleged robbery happened after Singh collected dues from his borrowers in the area.
Puda flagged down Singh’s motorcycle.
“When the victim stopped, he went near him and poked a revolver on his side,” Ladublan said.
The victim told Singh that he was just after his money. The victim did not resist and readily gave his P5,000 collection.
After the heist, Puda was captured by CCTV cameras from Hinactacan until he reached Barangay Baldoza, La Paz.
“It didn’t take long for our operatives to get his identity from residents and tricycle drivers in the area who immediately recognized his motorcycle,” Ladublan said.
Puda admitted to the robbery claiming poverty forced him to rob Singh.
Recovered from his possession were a caliber .38 revolver, several ammunition, mobile phones, and a motorcycle.
Ladublan said Puda will be charged for robbery and violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
