Armed robbers target South Korean tourist near Manila; 1 suspect arrested

A South Korean tourist was robbed at gunpoint near Manila, the Philippine capital. The victim was not shot but sustained abrasions during a struggle with the attackers.

According to local media including the Manila Bulletin, three armed robbers on a motorcycle snatched a bag from a 46-year-old South Korean tourist on a main road in the Tambo area of Parañaque City, in the Manila metropolitan area, at around 9:15 p.m. Saturday (local time).

Police said the suspects had disguised themselves as motorcycle taxi drivers. They followed the victim, who was walking to buy food, and attempted to grab the bag. When a struggle broke out, one of the gang fired a gun.

The victim lost a bag containing about 12,000 Philippine pesos ($189) in cash along with a passport, and was taken to a nearby hospital with abrasions to the head and knees.

Local police officers on patrol heard the gunshot and responded immediately, apprehending one 30-year-old suspect. The other two fled the scene.

Police seized the arrested suspect's motorcycle taxi driver uniform worn during the robbery, a 9mm pistol, six rounds of live ammunition, and what appeared to be a counterfeit motorcycle license plate.

The suspect is also linked to three vehicle theft cases and is under investigation on sexual assault charges.

Local police believe the suspects purchased the uniforms online to pose as taxi drivers and are continuing to pursue the two remaining suspects.