Thief victimizing dentists arrested

Barangay officials yesterday morning arrested a 40-year-old thief who has been victimizing dentists in Parañaque City.

Senior Police Officer 1 Rodolfo Balacuay, case officer, said officials of Barangay San Isidro arrested Ricardo de Guzman, using aliases Ricardo de la Cruz and Juanito Rivera, a native of Dagupan, Pangasinan and a resident of 39-B Bangkusay, Tondo, Manila.

Superintendent Ronald Estilles, Parañaque City police chief, said this was not the first time they apprehended a suspect preying on dentists in the area. "Probably since last year, he is the seventh person we have arrested using the same modus operandi."

Two dentists went to the Parañaque City police station yesterday afternoon to file a complaint against the suspect.

One of the complainants, Adelina Mapindan, 35, of 6176 Salvador Estate, Dr. A. Santos Avenue, Barangay San Isidro said that at around 9 a.m. yesterday, the suspect went to her clinic.

"He said he was a seaman and wanted me to fix his dentures. He asked me to issue a certificate. But when I turned my back, he was already gone. When I checked my bag on the table, I found my wallet missing," Mapindan said.

The dentist chased the suspect and saw him boarding a taxi. The cab driver’s sensing trouble, got off the vehicle, taking the car keys.

The suspect transferred to the driver’s seat but was unable to start the car.

Responding residents and tanods of Barangay San Isidro apprehended the suspect and beat him up. He was taken to the Parañaque Community Hospital for medical treatment.– Evelyn Macairan