By Maxine Alessandra B. Turiano

Manila Police District (MPD) Police Station 14 apprehended an armed individual, near the Far Eastern University (FEU) premises along Lerma Street last May 3.

In a spot report by the MPD, the person of interest was arrested based on a citizen’s report of ‘an alleged disturbance’ by a man possessing a firearm and inciting commotion along Quezon Boulevard, near the corner of Lerma Street. 

The person of interest identified as Raymond Azaña Isidro, 30, was found to be in violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulation Act, as well as Section 844 of the Revised Ordinance of the City of Manila for breach of peace.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, MPD Station 14 Police Chief Master Sergeant Laurencio Bernardo shared that the same individual was established as a thief in multiple institutions in the University Belt (U-Belt) area. 

“Usually gadgets—partikular ‘yung mga iPhone, laptop,” he stated.

The individual stole an estimated 50 gadgets from students, who had also snuck into schools such as FEU, University of Santo Tomas, Mapúa University, Adamson University, Centro Escolar University, and Universidad de Manila.

Bernardo outlined that the person of interest would take advantage of visitors’ passes to gain access to campus premises.

“Hindi lang naman siya partikular sa FEU ‘yung ginagawa niyang modus eh. Sa lahat ng university, nagp-pretend siya na magi-inquire siya sa registration, ganyan, kung paano ‘yung doon procedure sa tuition fee, ganon (His modus is not just limited to FEU. In all the universities, he pretends that he will inquire about the registration, like that, what the procedure for the tuition fee is, like that),” Bernardo said.

The MPD was alerted of the person of interest’s scheme prior to his arrest when they received an initial complaint from students about lost gadgets.

Bernardo reminded that students should always be mindful and wary of their belongings.

“In and out ng school, dapat ‘wag tayong kumpiyansa, kasi kumpiyansa, ‘yan ang magbibigay satin ng kapahamakan. Mas maganda maging mapagmatyag tayo (In and out of school, we shouldn’t always be confident, because confidence, that will bring us disaster. It is better for us to be vigilant),” he prompted.

MPD continues to coordinate with local barangay officials in conducting information drives and disseminating crime prevention tips to mitigate theft.

(Photo courtesy of MPD Barbosa Police Station 14’s Facebook page)