Stolen dog rescued from rob gang boss’ house

MANILA, Philippines - A Pomeranian stolen from his family’s home was found in the house of the alleged leader of a robbery gang arrested by Quezon City police officers, an official said yesterday.

The dog belongs to the child of Anthony Lim, who went to the police Friday and tagged Jonathan Cuya, 23, in the robbery at their house on June 18, according to Inspector Alan dela Cruz, head of the theft and robbery section of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

“The dog was among those recovered at the house of Cuya when he was arrested,” Dela Cruz said in an interview.

“Mr. Lim was really happy that the dog was brought back to them. They had even been distributing leaflets to locate the dog,” he added.

QCPD director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano said Cuya was charged with robbery yesterday in connection with the heist at Lim’s house in Barangay Laging Handa.

Albano said at least six robberies have been attributed to the group of Cuya, who was arrested on Tuesday after he was seen boarding a car stolen from one of their victims.

Two of the cases include the robbery at Lim’s house and the one at the house of Benito Sison, who owns the Mitsubishi Gallant Cuya was caught using. Sison’s house in Caloocan City was robbed in May.

While Cuya’s alleged gang members have yet to be arrested, the QCPD identified them as Raymond David, 23; Rodolfo Lalata, 23; Gino Juanchon, 26; Manolio Manguiddong, 46; “Ped,” 35; “Eddie,” 56; and “Leo.”

Cuya was previously charged with illegal possession of firearms for the two .22 caliber Glock pistols seized from him when he was arrested, said Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao, QCPD deputy director for administration.

Pagdilao said Cuya and his gang face charges of robbery, car theft and murder for killing Edward Choy, whose house on Hemady street in Barangay Mariana was robbed on May 16.