Car thief nabbed in Caloocan North

Police arrested a suspected member of a car theft gang operating in the northern part of Metro Manila and recovered a stolen vehicle in an operation yesterday in Caloocan City North.

Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr., Northern Police District intelligence unit chief, identified the suspect as Arnel Cruz, 39, a native of Nueva Ecija and a resident of Camarin, Caloocan City.

Cruz’s two cohorts, identified only as alias Mel and Dan, are now being sought by the NPD operatives.

Melecio Samillano, 40, businessman, of Camarin, sought the help of NPD director Chief Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. after his owner-type jeep was stolen last June 19.

Samillano said his vehicle (DKW 787), was parked in front of his canteen in North Matrix Ville when it was stolen at around 3:30 p.m.

The following day, the NPD-District Police Intelligence Unit (DPIU) received information that the stolen vehicle was sighted in Maligaya Compound, Caloocan City North.

At least three men were spotted dismantling the vehicle.

A follow-up operation conducted by DPIU operatives resulted in the arrest of Cruz along Bautista street in Maligaya Compound. He was about to sell the wheels at around 1 a.m. last Monday.

Cruz’s arrest led to the recovery of Samillano’s jeep in Maligaya Compound. His cohorts were able to evade arrest.

In Quezon City, the brother of a Pilipino Star Ngayon employee lost his Mercedez Benz to car thieves last Saturday.

The victim, requesting anonymity, said his vehicle, with plate number WEK 888, was stolen while parked in front of his house in Project 7, Quezon City between 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

He said he reported the incident to the Baler Police Station of the Central Police District (CPD) and is now waiting for results.

The victim added that the Philippine National Police-Task Force Limbas in Camp Crame, is also conducting its own investigation. – Pete Laude