Man accused of stealing motorcycle

CEBU, Philippines – A 19-year-old man was arrested early morning Friday after witnesses pointed to him as having connived with a friend in stealing a motorcycle in barangay Cogon, Compostela town.

Robert Peralas, a former councilman of barangay Cogon, personally arrested Jomel Oro Panya who later reportedly admitted participation in the crime.

Witnesses had pointed to Panya and a certain Joseph Arcelo as the ones who took the motorcycle of a certain Ildefonso Tiro.

Tiro said he parked his red Yamaha Krypton motorcycle outside his house and found it was no longer there around 6 a.m. last Friday.

After seeking help from his neighbors and the authorities, the motorcycle was eventually recovered from Arcelo’s house but the latter was able to elude arrest.

Around 7 a.m., Peralas arrested Panya and brought him to the police station where he was identified by witnesses.

PO1 Fidelito Jopia, desk officer of the Compostela police, said Arcelo has a standing alias warrant of arrest for frustrated murder and has been tagged as the fourth most wanted in the area.

Charges will be filed against Panya, as a follow-up operation will be conducted to arrest Arcelo. — Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)