DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — A female robbery suspect was arrested after her attempted holdup of a Small Town Lottery (STL) teller was foiled by the victim’s swift and courageous response on Monday afternoon, May 4, in a busy area of Lapu-Lapu Extension.
According to police reports, the suspect—estimated to be around 40 years old and a resident of the city—approached the STL teller at around 4:00 p.m. and threatened the victim using what initially appeared to be a firearm. Under duress, the suspect managed to take the victim’s mobile phone before fleeing the scene on foot.
However, the situation quickly turned when the victim, described as a transgender woman, pursued the suspect and realized that the weapon used in the crime was merely a toy gun. Seizing the opportunity, the victim confronted the suspect and physically subdued her, preventing her escape.
Responding personnel from the Digos City Police Station arrived shortly after and took the suspect into custody.
PLtCol Norman Yparaguirre, officer-in-charge of the police station, said authorities are now conducting a deeper investigation to determine whether the suspect had been involved in previous unreported criminal activities.
“We are verifying if this is an isolated case or part of a pattern of offenses that may have gone unreported,” Yparaguirre said.
The suspect is currently detained and facing robbery-holdup charges, while police continue to gather evidence and prepare the formal complaint.
Authorities also commended the victim’s presence of mind and bravery, noting that her decisive action helped prevent the crime from escalating further.
The incident highlights both the risks faced by frontline workers such as STL tellers and the importance of vigilance in the community, as law enforcement continues efforts to curb street-level crimes in the city.