Men steal church donations

Manila policemen arrested a 21-year old corn vendor who allegedly stole the cash donation box from a Catholic Church in San Andres Bukid early yesterday morning.

Police said suspect Guillermo Busano, of 2148 Road 15, Fabie Estate, Sta. Ana, Manila, was arrested at about 5:30 a.m. while he was about to escape with an undetermined amount of cash and a small petition box containing cash donations from parishioners.

According to police, Busano and a companion identified only as Richard, broke into the Holy Family Church along Estrada Street in San Andres Bukid, at about 4:30 a.m.

Police said the duo then reportedly entered the exhaust ducts of the church to gain entry into the building. Once inside, they then allegedly detached the church donation box, which reportedly contained some P30,000.

Busano and Richard then later split the loot and parted ways. However, Busano returned to the church to look for other items. As he was looking around, caretaker Lydia Pagadora saw him and had him arrested.

Meanwhile, a 34-year-old carpenter, who suddenly took a fancy in raising plants, was arrested by the police for allegedly growing marijuana in a pot in his residence in Caloocan City Wednesday afternoon.

Bagong Barrio Sub-station 1 commander chief Superintendent Bonifacio Noval, identified the suspect as Celso Aranjuez, of 159 Ubas Street, Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City.

Investigation showed that police received a call from an informant saying the suspect was seen watering what could be a marijuana plant.

Senior Inspector Jose Valencia, Caloocan City police Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) chief, acting on the tip, verified the report and created a team to seize the suspect and the potted marijuana.

No bail was recommended for the temporary release of the suspect who was charged with cultivation of marijuana. – Mike Frialde and Jerry Botial