Ship's watchman arrested for "theft"

CEBU, Philippines - A watchman of a vessel was arrested by the chief engineer of the MV J&W Cruiser Phil Nippon for allegedly stealing a turbo charger amounting to P1.2 million last week in barangay Sangat, San Fernando town.

Robert Daizon, chief engineer of the passenger vessel, reported the incident to the San Fernando police Wednesday, or a week after, due to fear because one of the suspects, Eric Alejandra, was allegedly armed with a gun.

Now detained at the San Fernando stockade is Dennis Rondica, 23, of barangay Ilaya, Ronda.

His alleged cohorts, Alejandra and a certain Felix Estopa, are at large.

Insp. Crisanto Abella, deputy chief of the San Fernando Police Station, said Daizon was inspecting the vessel docked at the port when he found the turbo charger gone.

Daizon then asked Rodinca about the whereabouts of the turbo charger.

Rodinca eventually admitted that he, Alejandra, and Estopa took it.

Rodinca reportedly admitted employing a crane to load the turbo charger unto a cargo truck.

He then received P25,000 from Estopa.

Abella said charges are being readied against the three men.  (FREEMAN)