Cops nab tire robbers

The Northern Police District Office (NPDO) busted another highway robbery syndicate after arresting four of its members, all Fil-Chinese, yesterday in Valenzuela City.

NPDO director Chief Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. identified the suspects as Kenny Ang Sy, 44, trader, his wife Ma. Cecilia, 32, both of Arkong Bato, owners of Uni Tires and General Merchandise; Simpson Lao, 44 and Alex Chua Tang, 40, both jobless, of Marulas, Valenzuela City. The suspects have been slapped with violation of anti-fencing laws.

Initial investigation showed the suspects were collared after a buy-bust operation conducted at the office of the Sy couple at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in Arkong Bato.

The operation was led by District Intelligence and Investigation division (DIID) commander Chief Inspector Rafael Santiago and his men. Santiago and his team found some P.5 million in tires allegedly hijacked from a Mitsubishi Canter of the Transnational Distribution Express Inc. (Trade Inc.).

Santiago said the goods were about to be delivered to a consignee in Baguio City by driver Edgardo Landrito when they were held up by several gunmen at about 3 a.m. at the corner of Ortigas Avenue and C-5 Road in Pasig City.

The hot goods, including a white L-300 van (WEG 397) used in the hijack, were recovered at around 11:30 p.m. by Santiago and his men in Marulas. — Jerry Botial, Pete Laude