3 nabbed for stealing sacks of relief goods

CEBU, Philippines - Three persons including a minor were arrested after they reportedly stole at least 60 sacks of relief goods stored inside a sports complex in Barangay Taytayan, Bogo City.

Suspects Bumar Torres, 28,  Junrey Quindao, 23, and a 17-year-old boy were arrested for allegedly stealing relief goods from Don Celestino Martinez Sr. Sports and Cultural Complex.

The police responded to the area after receiving a report from barangay tanod Jose Ursal that the recently delivered goods were missing.

Police Officer 3 Ryan Alarde, Bogo City police investigator, said they conducted a follow-up operation on the incident and found a witness, who disclosed that he was able to buy 25 kilos of rice from the suspects for only P300.

The suspects were immediately arrested.

According to the report, sacks of relief goods packed in plastics were delivered to the city by the Department of Social Welfare Services in the last week of February and were stored at the sports complex.

Each pack reportedly contained rice, canned goods, noodles and other items ready for distribution in case of emergency.

But on Monday, a local DSWD official of Bogo City discovered that at least 60 sacks were missing. It was found out that the window of the sports complex was broken.

The suspects allegedly used a ladder to reach the window, broke it, and gained entry. 

Alarde said the suspects denied taking 60 sacks, saying they only took seven.

The police officer believed that the suspects gradually stole the 60 sacks in two weeks.

Yesterday, Torres and Quindao were charged with robbery while the minor was spared from the charges but is still being held in the police custody. — (FREEMAN)