3 bus employees held for P4.7 million theft

MANILA, Philippines — Three employees of Five Star Bus Co. in Quezon City have been arrested after they allegedly stole P4.76 million from the transportation firm.

Chena Mallari, 35; Nhelanie Butiong, 37, and Jhoan Campos, 50, are being held on charges of qualified theft and robbery, according to Quezon City Police District director Brig. Gen. Remus Medina.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects’ cohorts John Jerry Zapanta and an unidentified man.

Medina said the suspects were accused of stealing P4.76 million in earnings of the bus company since 2020.

The latest robbery reportedly occurred at the bus company in Barangay E. Rodriguez on Monday.

Mallari, Butiong and security guard Danilo Bulalacao were invited to the Cubao police station for an investigation.

Medina said Mallari and Butiong admitted stealing money from the bus company. They pointed to Campos as their accomplice.

Campos was arrested during a follow-up operation in Barangay Talaba, Bacoor City in Cavite.

Police said they recovered P2.15 million of the stolen money from the suspect.