Man nabbed for stealing motorcycle

CEBU, Philippines - A man was arrested for allegedly stealing a motorcycle Wednesday morning in Barangay Poblacion Oriental, Consolacion town.

Jimmy Piñez, 28, of Barangay Cogon, was held by the police after he was caught stealing a motorcycle owned by a certain Harvey Tibon, 43.

Compostela Police Station chief, Senior Inspector Wilson Abot, said that past 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Tibon’s wife was going to the comfort room when she saw a masked person heading outside their gate.

She then informed her husband who went outside and found out that his motorcycle was missing. He then called for police assistance.

PO3 Renante Mahusay, PO1 Tirso Sol and PO1 Emy Barba, who were conducting mobile patrol, immediately responded to the alarm.

They were told by the couple that the masked man headed toward a subdivision nearby.

The police then went to the area and saw a man dragging a motorcycle along the road.

They then flagged down the man, identified later as Piñez, and called the couple to identify the motorcycle.

The couple positively recognized the motorcycle as theirs, prompting the police to arrest the suspect.

Piñez, when questioned by the police, confessed that he is working for a certain Pedro Belamala, known as Wing-wing and Brad, who offered him P3,000 for every motorcycle he stole.

 He claimed Belamala taught him how to steal a motorcycle.

Piñez further told police that he had stolen two motorcycles in Barangay Jugan last year and sold them to Belamala for P3,000 each.

The police then launched an operation and recovered the two motorcycles.

Piñez admitted stealing Tibon’s motorcycle but said he only did it as he has no job and has a family to feed.

Abot coordinated with Fuente Police Station in Cebu City after learning that Belamala lives along B. Rodriguez Street in Barangay Sambag II.

Operatives of the Highway Patrol Group 7, Fuente police, Mandaue City police, Provincial Intelligence Brach and Consolacion police then went to Belamala’s residence.

They have recovered at least five motorcycles but failed to arrest Belamala. (FREEMAN)