Teen tagged in 30 robberies nabbed in NCotabato

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Agents arrested North Cotabato’s most notorious thief in a dragnet in Kidapawan City Thursday night, police said.

The cashiered 19-year-old Jestoni Saban, wanted for more than 30 robberies in Kidapawan City and surrounding towns, was cornered by plainclothes operatives at his hideout after three weeks of extensive surveillance.

Inspector Arniel Melocotones, deputy chief of the Kidapawan City police, said they learned of Saban’s presence somewhere along Sinsuat Street in the city from informants that requested anonymity.

Melocotones said Saban even tried to escape, but the policemen sent to arrest him managed to immediately subdue and cuff his wrists.

Saban is also wanted for an arson offense committed two years ago. He and his accomplices reportedly set on fire a house in one of the subdivisions in Kidapawan City before carting away valuables and appliances in a dawn heist.