2 motorcycle thieves fall in entrapment

CEBU, Philippines – Two men who reportedly negotiated with the owner of the motorcycle they earlier stole were arrested in an entrapment operation yesterday in Barangay Poblacion 1, Carcar City.

Suspects Rodin Tangarorang and June Clint Gabucan were arrested by Carcar City police as soon as they received the money from Lerra Alajid, the motorcycle owner.

A third cohort identified as Jude Vincent Bargayo managed to elude arrest.

Alajid reportedly lost her motorcycle to unidentified carnappers last Friday morning.

The carnappers allegedly contacted her later through text message, asking for money in return for the motorcycle.

The victim asked for the assistance of Carcar City police and was told by the station chief, Superintendent Teodulfo Manatad, to entertain the suspects as they have planned to set them up.

The victim and the suspects continued texting each other and agreed to meet in Barangay Poblacion at 2 p.m. yesterday for the payment.

They met and once she handed over the P2,500 cash to the suspects, policemen who were on standby swooped on the suspects and arrested Tangarorang and Bargayo.

Gabucan, sensing the presence of the police, immediately escaped.

Charges for robbery and extortion have been filed against the suspects.

Collector robbed

Meanwhile, a lending firm collector was robbed by two motorcycle-riding men Monday afternoon along Barangay Ginabihan, Badian town.

Roelito Taboco, 30, told police that he was driving a motorcycle when two armed men onboard a motorcycle blocked his way and pointed at him a gun.

The backrider allegedly alighted and declared a holdup.  They took the victim’s P25,000 cash, mobile phone, as well as his motorcycle, before speeding off. —/NSA (FREEMAN)