5 nabbed for stealing from cars

MANILA, Philippines - Five persons were arrested for allegedly stealing goods from an unattended car at a Muntinlupa mall,  Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said yesterday.

He said the driver of a Chevrolet Suburban parked at the mall caught the suspects using lockpicks.

Johnny Roja, Julsievin Mahipus, Yannie Vicente, Carlene Joy Bayron and Analyn Ronquillo were arrested following a brief car chase. The suspects had used a Ford Explorer and Ford Everest as getaway vehicles.

The gang’s alleged leader, Calvin Mahipus, and another member escaped. The gang reportedly stole goods from unattended cars at mall parking lots in Metro Manila, Pampanga and along the North Luzon Expressway, police said. 

Police officers confiscated several cell phones, surgical pliers, two metal tubes, several lockpicks and a loaded .38 caliber revolver from the suspects.