Mystery of disappearing benches solved

The case involving 25 wooden park benches stolen last month along the Roxas Boulevard seawall has been cracked following the arrest of the culprit.

Elements of the Western Police District (WPD) arrested businessman Maximo Viola, 49, of 1808 San Marcelino Street, Malate, who said he took the benches "for kicks."

However, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza was not amused.

"You have to face the consequences of your actions. We will not tolerate people like you who steal and destroy government property. We have worked hard to beautify the city and here you are stealing and destroying them," Atienza told Viola, who begged for forgiveness at City Hall yesterday.

The mayor said he was puzzled why Viola, who owns the Jorama Restaurant along San Marcelino Street in Malate, would even think of stealing the benches because he is well-off and comes from a prominent family.

Elements of the WPD Theft and Robbery Section, led by Senior Inspector Leopoldo Mangilian, arrested Viola last Friday in front of his restaurant.

Prior to Viola’s arrest, police investigators were informed by witnesses that three men were seen loading the park benches between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. last Sept. 22 on the back of a black Isuzu pick-up truck (CKZ-905). The park benches were located along the seawall between Remedios and San Andres Streets.

Police later discovered that the truck was registered to a certain Belinda Panahon of Talavera, Nueva Ecija. Last Oct. 4, Inspectors Dominador Arevalo and Napoleon Coner sought out Panahon, who said the vehicle was sold to Viola six years ago.

Under investigation, Viola admitted having stolen the benches and led Manila Police to an apartment on 1721 Modesto Street, in Malate, where he stored the said items. Police were able to recover only 24 of the benches, most of which had been dismantled.

In addition to charges of theft and destruction of government property, Viola was charged with attempted bribery after he allegedly tried to pay off an arresting officer with P30,000.