The suspect was identified as Nelson Abalos, 26, and a member of the Sigue-Sigue Sputnik gang.
He was arrested shortly after a brief chase at the corner of C.M. Recto Avenue and T. Alonzo street also in Sta. Cruz.
Abalos and a companion was spotted by barangay officials from Barangay 314, headed by barangay chairman John Guidotong, while loading several lamp posts they stole from the center island of Rizal Avenue into a pedicab.
The thieves immediately fled, prompting Guidotong’s group to alert other barangay watchmen using two-way radios.
Chairman Ramon Morales of Barangay 299 heard the radio alert and conducted a patrol which later spotted Abalos in their area.
He tried to escape anew, but was cornered and arrested by tanods. His companion was not caught.
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza commended barangay officials for the arrest of the suspect.
"This shows that the integrated patrol system is an effective deterrent to crime," the mayor said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe