3 car theft suspects fall in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines - Three suspected car thieves, including an alleged member of a syndicate operating in southern Metro Manila, were arrested by the Quezon City police.

Hazel Cotaco, Elmer Buenaventura and Nemensio Apolonio were caught in two separate operations in the city since Thursday night, according to Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio.

Also arrested was Cotaco’s partner, Marvin John Jarabata, 34, who supposedly interfered with the police when they tried to arrest her.

Cotaco, 30, is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by a judge in Muntinlupa. Police said she is an alleged member of the Fernandez-Chua car theft syndicate operating in southern part of Metro Manila.

Police officers recovered a .45 caliber pistol loaded with eight bullets and an expired firearms license from Jarabata, said QCPD special operations unit chief Superintendent Jay Agcaoili.

Jarabata is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms, resistance, disobedience and obstruction of justice before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.

Agcaoili said Cotaco is facing car theft charges before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 for allegedly stealing Edward Ferrer’s Hyundai Tucson in Makati City on Oct. 6.

Cotaco alleged that a certain Peter Lim is their financier and mastermind, Agcaoili added.

Police also confiscated from the suspects a Toyota Vios and two motorcycles, whose ownership will be verified with the Land Transportation Office.

Buenaventura was arrested yesterday morning after a Toyota Vios stolen from Diego Macaraeg of Barangay Silangan was spotted in front of his house in Barangay Holy Spirit.

The Vios was stolen while it was parked in front of Macaraeg’s house before dawn on Thursday.

Police also found a duplicate key of the car in Buenaventura’s possession.

Apolonio was arrested after Buenaventura identified him as a co-conspirator.