Houseboy nabbed for robbing ex-employer

Operatives of the Central Police District-District Police Intelligence Unit (CPD-DPIU) have arrested a former houseboy and a cohort who allegedly conspired to ransack the house of an ex-employer in Quezon City during the holidays.

Suspect Gerardo Manalastas, 43, of Novaliches, Quezon City, was collared by authorities following a complaint lodged against him by his former boss Alfredo Magno, 40, of Doña Faustina Subdivision, San Bartolome, also in Novaliches.

At the same time, lawmen took into custody a tricycle driver identified as Walter Arano, 30, of 210 C. Dela Cruz street, San Bartolome, who is Manalastas’ alleged ally, and impounded the tricycle that was used to cart away the appliances totaling to about P150,000.

Chief Inspector Rodolfo Jaraza, head of the CPD-DPIU, said the looting occurred last Dec. 30, 2003 while Magno was on an out-of-town vacation.

Manalastas reportedly forced open the front door of Magno’s house that night and stole the appliances, which included television set, airconditioner, video vompact disc component, electric lamp, turbo broiler and speakers.

What Manalastas did not know was that Magno’s laundry woman witnessed the burglary. The laundry woman immediately phoned the owner.

On Jan. 2, the complainant sought police assistance, and a team was formed to apprehend the suspects.

About 4 p.m. Friday, authorities spotted Manalastas walking along Marcos street and collared him. Arano was subsequently apprehended.

Jaraza said the duo would be facing robbery charges before the court.