Hijacking case solved

Police yesterday arrested three employees of a steel firm in a police operation in Malabon City after hijacking their own 10-wheeler truck loaded with steel bars over a month ago in Caloocan City.

The suspects were identified as Bobby Benitez, driver, of Del Pilar street, Alicia Isabela; Francis Navarro, helper; and Danilo Caniedo, 32, all of Barangay Mal-ong, Anda, Pangasinan.

Authorities said the suspects were arrested after a relative who was privy to the crime at the time it was being planned squealed on them.

Marlon Benitez, 25, a relative of Bobby Benitez told probers that the suspects had a hand in the reported loss of the steel bars last Jan. 11. The incident was first reported to the Caloocan police.

Reports showed Danilo Chua, an officer of the Golden Fleet Corp. with offices at Block 45, Lot 3, Salmon street, Longos, Malabon City, said the three suspects left with the goods for delivery to Kennflex Steel in Laguna province.

Hours later, Navarro allegedly called up Chua telling him the steel bars were hijacked in Alabang, Muntinlupa. The truck was found later abandoned and empty on 2nd Avenue in Caloocan City.

Chua then reported the incident to the police. A follow-up operation was launched resulting in the arrest of the suspects.– Jerry Botial