A 52-year-old man was arrested in Tondo, Manila, after taking a cellphone from a woman at gunpoint, the Manila Police District (MPD) reported.
Police identified the suspect as Romeo Hernandez, a resident of Barangay 103, Tondo.
He was arrested at around 7:16 p.m. on Aug. 28, inside a house along F. Varona Street in Barangay 85.
According to the initial police investigation, the 45-year-old victim was inside her house when Hernandez allegedly stood in front of the gate and, while armed with what appeared to be a gun, demanded her cellphone.
After taking the cellphone, the suspect allegedly fled.
The victim then sought assistance from Barangay 85, which coordinated with personnel of the Don Bosco Police Community Precinct of MPD’s Raxabago Police Station 1.
A follow-up operation led to Hernandez’s arrest and the recovery of the victim’s iPhone 13 Pro Max, police said.
A black Glock 18 replica was also allegedly recovered from Hernandez during a protective search.
Police said the item was found tucked into his waistband.
Hernandez was brought to the Gat. Andres Bonifacio Medical Center for a mandatory physical examination before being taken to the police station for proper disposition.
Police said Hernandez was informed of his constitutional rights in Tagalog, which he understood.
He is facing a complaint for robbery under Article 293 of the Revised Penal Code and an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
The police station said documents were being prepared for the filing of the complaints before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.
The cellphone and replica firearm were among the pieces of evidence recovered during the operation.
