The Filipino tourists -- three women and two men--entered their pleas at the District Court on Sept 13. Judge W.K. Kwok adjourned the case and set it for trial on Feb 11 at the request of the prosecution.Defendants Zenaida Aviles, Rasim Linambos, Arlene Gerodias, Manuelito Camacho and Delia Tagalo were ordered remanded in custody by Judge Kwok.
The five have been detained since they were arrested on Apr 24 after their failed attempt to pick the wallet of the Korean woman. Unknown to the suspects, the wallet was secured by a chain to the bag. Plainclothes police who were nearby arrested the five.
The defendants’ case was moved to the District Court in July and each of them was given a lawyer by the Legal Aid Department to represent them in court. – Vir B. Lumicao
