Second suspect in burglary of P4M worth of watches arrested

CEBU, Philippines - Police arrested Thursday night the second suspect in the burglary of a house in PC Hills, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City during the Holy Week where at least P4 million worth of valuables were taken.

Lito Mancao was arrested after he tried to sell to a police informant several high-end watches believed to be stolen from the Anzani residence where a watch collection estimated to cost around P4 million was reported stolen. A camera worth P50,000 and a box of jewelry worth P200,000 were also missing.

Gilbert Matugas, who was arrested earlier, admitted that he and another companion broke into the Anzani residence while they were away for a vacation.

Matugas said that the stolen items were in Mancao’s possession. Since then, Mancao was placed under non-stop surveillance that led to his arrest.

He was seen negotiating the stolen items to a resident in A. Lopez in Barangay Labangon where an informant of the City Intelligence Branch noticed him and tried to negotiate with him.

He told the informant that he is trying to sell high-end watches, so the informant asked him if he could get a glimpse of the watches.

Mancao showed it to the informant whom later told the City Intelligence Branch operatives about their supposed transaction.

Upon verification, CIB operatives confirmed that those watches are of the same brands stolen watches from the Anzani’s.

Police immediately arrested Mancao and brought him to the Cebu City Police Office for interrogation where he is also currently detained.

He will face a charge for violation of the Anti-Fencing Law.  (FREEMAN)