Man tries to steal P130T in software

An information technology specialist was nabbed after trying to run away with P130, 000 worth of Windows XP software at a hotel located along Escario Street last Thursday evening.

The suspect was identified as Marvin Dandan, of Mandaue City, who used the name Mark Lopez in transacting with X-Comp Computer Sales for the software.

His arrest came after another company, Andersons Computer, told X-Comp that few days ago they were swindled by a man who asked that his orders be delivered to a hotel.

Thus Andersons Computer sent employees as the software was delivered to the hotel, PO1s Donald Jakosalem, Romeo Jumalon and PO1 Mardin Manano also went with the group.

Those who went to deliver the order were X-Comp's Harry Chiu and Andersons Computer employees John Rey Herrero and Delbert Saga.

Upon arrival at the hotel, Chiu called Dandan by cellphone and was told to go to the third floor where Dandan was waiting.

Chiu said Dandan took him to his room where they had a short conversation before Dandan asked for his order. After he got them Dandan asked Chiu to wait for a while as he had to go downstairs to get the payment.

At the ground floor, Herrero saw Dandan hurrying away with the plastic bag containing the software and recognized him as the one who swindled them. The Andersons Computer employees immediately informed the policemen who were waiting at the parking area.

Meanwhile Chiu said he never suspected Dandan of having bad intentions saying he was decent-looking, but later on as he peeped through the window he saw a commotion going on at the parking lot and saw Dandan.

Chiu then hurried downstairs and demanded the payment from Dandan but the latter said he did not have money and was immediately arrested. - Ryan P. Borinaga