5 nabbed for looting church

MANILA, Philippines - Five persons were arrested and charged yesterday for reportedly breaking into a church in Valenzuela City over the weekend and stripping it bare.

Pastor Boyet Recafrente of the Missionary Baptist Church in Ugong reported yesterday morning that they lost a television set, a speaker system, a DVD player, electric fans, an air-conditioning unit, cooking implements, carpets, guitars and monobloc chairs.

The stolen items were recovered from Ricky Cordero, Vicente Figueroa, Maricel Figueroa, Marie Deneros and Charles Marvin Abalos, Valenzuela police chief Senior Superintendent Rhoderick Armamento said, adding that they are still tracking down the buyers for the goods.

The suspects were charged with theft before the city prosecutor’s office yesterday morning.