Soldier arrested for snatching bags

AN ARMY soldier was arrested for snatching the bags of two women on Monday.

The suspect was identified as Michael Evangelio Patria, 24, member of the Army's 37th Infantry Battalion based in Buldon, Maguindanao Province.

Patria is now detained at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) following his arrest in Barrio Obrero, Davao City around 11 p.m.

The suspect reportedly took the bag of Rolaiza Pasco Duque as she was walking on the junction of F. Torres Street and J.P. Laurel Avenue.

The incident was witnessed by Giovani Mark Palanca, 30, a member of the Civilian Volunteer Organization and resident of #47, Palma Gil street, Barrio Obrero.

Duque told Sun.Star SuperBalita that the suspect shadowed her onboard a motorcycle while she was walking with her friend Reeu Pastoral.

The victim immediately sought assistance while Palanca, who witnessed the incident, followed the suspect and reported the incident. The suspect denied the accusations.

Police recovered the victim's personal belongings inside the utility box of the suspect's motorcycle.

Pastoral also recognized the suspect.

"Nakaila ko niya kay didto man siya sa Shell Gasoline Station. Mi-smile pa gani siya sa amoa. Misakay siya sa motor dayon misunod sa amoa (I saw him at the gasoline station. He smiled at us and then boarded his motorcycle ad followed us)," Pastoral said in an interview Tuesday.

Patria is facing robbery charges prepared by the Investigation Detection and Management Branch f the DCPO.

The suspect's officers arrived Tuesday at the IDMB but were unavailable for interview. (AD)