Tomb raiders land in Caloocan jail

Three people were collared by police yesterday after security guards caught them illegally digging up human bones at the La Loma Cemetery in Caloocan City.

Inquested for violation of the Sanitation Code and malicious mischief at the City Prosecutor’s Office were Felipe Arroco, 29, Rosita Orsal, 48, and Anita Castillo, 55, all of 2nd Avenue, Caloocan City.

SPO1 Feliciano Almojuela of the Station Investigation Section said the suspects failed to present an exhumation permit for the remains found in their possession.

Seized from the suspects were the bones, a hammer, an iron bolt and three knives.

PO1 Rosalyn Pones of the Theft and Robbery Section said that at around 8:30 a.m., cemetery guards Jennisie Almodiel and Jerry Bonuel were doing the rounds on the Caloocan side of the La Loma Cemetery on 7th street along C-3 Road when they heard pounding on the tombs.

They followed the noise and found the suspects in the act of forcibly opening the tomb of one Alberto de la Cruz.

At this point, Orsal ran, but was cornered after a brief chase. Found in her possession was a sackful of human bones.

The suspects said someone ordered them to gather the bones.

The cemetery guards said the suspects have been their targets for a while now following previous complaints from relatives of those buried there. – Jerry Botial