QC cops arrest suspect in P1.5-M heavy equipment heist

The P1.5-million robbery at a heavy equipment office in Quezon City last Oct. 7 was solved by the Central Police District (CPD) following the arrest of one of the suspects in a rebel-infested area in Quezon province.

The suspect, Antonio Jalos yielded P450,000 of the loot when combined CPD and military operatives cornered him after a brief chase in the ricefields of a New People’s Army (NPA)-infested barangay in Pitogo town in Quezon province.

Jalos, a mechanic of the 52K Equipment Trading Corp. located at 1668 Quezon Avenue, Barangay South Triangle was presented yesteday to Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Camp Karingal in Sikatuna Village.

He told National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynalto Velasco that he pulled off the robbery and named his accomplice as Mario Escobio, a driver, who is now the subject of a massive manhunt by CPD operatives.

"Although our current focus is the security preparations for the scheduled visit of US President George W. Bush on Oct. 18, our main concern remains in the campaign against all forms of criminality in Metro Manila. The NCRPO will remain relentless in our pursuit of lawless elements actively operating in the metropolis," Velasco said.

Jalos and Escobio broke into the heavy equipment office owned by Korean Hyun Jun Lee last Oct. 7 and took off with P1.4 million cash, $2,000 and a Samsung digital camera.

The duo failed to return to work the following day, prompting Superintendent Cesar Binag, CPD Station 10 chief, to suspect that the robbery was an "inside job."

Binag said an informant tipped him off of Jalos’ presence in Quezon province. He immediately coordinated with the Pitogo police and an Army unit to augment his six-man team, headed by Chief Inspector Rene Gotis.

After a two-hour walk in the mountains, the arresting team cornered Jalos, who tried to escape after seeing the approaching lawmen. According to Jalos, the rest of the loot was taken by Escobio.

Velasco attributed the arrest of the suspect to the able leadership of CPD director Chief Superintendent Napolcom Castro and his men.

"Our operatives had to go through forests and NPA-infested hills to apprehend this robber, displaying remarkable tenacity to see to it that justice is served," said Velasco. "Our operatives in Metro Manila will ensure that there is no rest for the wicked. Make no mistake about it, criminals — wherever they may hide — will be apprehended."

Velasco likewise cited Belmonte for his unwavering support to the CPD as well as his inspired leadership in administering operational and administrative supervision over the local police that has motivated them to work harder in the service of the citizenry.

For his part, Belmonte congratulated the Castro for their accomplishment and assured that his administration will remain supportive of the over-all effort of the CPD in maintaining peace and order in his locality.

Binag filed robbery charges against Jalos before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office. A P100,000 bail was recommended for his provisional liberty. — Non Alquitran