The arrest of Joenar Arellano, 24, Raymond Cruz, 25, and Christopher Bautista, 23, became the first accomplishment of Task Force Silangan, a joint anti-crime operation involving the Eastern Police District (EPD) and the Rizal provincial police.
The three suspects, however, do not belong to the 13 criminal groups targeted by Task Force Silangan for neutralization, according to Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr., Marikina City police chief.
Last Friday, Wilbert Isabelo, 31, parked his black Honda motorcycle with license plate OS-5202 in front the Just Billiard Hall located along Sumulong Highway in Barangay Sto. Nino at 2 a.m.
When he returned two hours later, his motorcycle was gone.
While joint police and barangay officers were patrolling along Freedom Park in Barangay Sto. Nino, they chanced upon the suspects on board a tricycle towing Isabelo’s motorcycle.
When the suspects realized the presence of the lawmen, they scampered, which triggered a brief chase that led to the arrest of Arellano.
Ramos formed two police teams, headed by Inspectors Renato Jacobe and Teodulo Armada, that arrested Cruz along Daang Bakal in Barangay Parang four hours later.
After the Marikina police chief coordinated with the Antipolo City police, Bautista was arrested along Sumulong Highway at 4 p.m. last Saturday.
Another cohort, identified as Jerson de Leon, eluded arrest. He is believed to have gone in hiding in Lucena City.
Arellano, Cruz and Bautista are currently detained at the Marikina City detention center while charges are being readied against them.
Marikina City Mayor Maria Lourdes Fernando congratulated Ramos anda his men for the speedy arrest of the suspects.
Earlier, EPD director Chief Superintendent Luizo Ticman ordered the creation of dedicated teams to go after 13 criminal groups operating in the boundaries of Marikina City, Pasig City and the towns of Rizal.
Ticman said Task Force Silangan would enhance coordination and cooperation between the two police commands in going after criminals, especially TX taxi and jeepney robbers.
Arellano, Cruz and Bautista are currently detained at the Marikina City detention center while charges are being readied against them. – Non Alquitran