2 face raps for stealing MMDA safety barriers

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has filed theft charges before the Makati Police Criminal Investigation Section against two Bantay Bayan members in Makati for stealing a safety barrier and steel bars owned by the MMDA along EDSA in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City.

Police Officer 2 Reynaldo Agustin identified the suspects as Frankie Ferrer, 47, and Jose Pilapil III, 44. The two men work as Barangay Viejo’s Bantay Bayan.

In his affidavit, MMDA Engineer Rodrigo Tuazon said  Ferrer and Pilapil were seen by witness Esmael Andres at around 3:30 a.m. last July 7 bringing a steel safety barrier and steel bars to a nearby junkshop, owned by Hydy Andres, in Laperal compound and selling them.

“The stolen item, which was recovered from the junkshop after a follow up operation, is worth P13,000” Tuazon said.

Tuazon said Andres identified Ferrer and Pilapil as the same people who sold the stolen items to her junkshop.

“The safety steel barrier is worth P10,000 while the steel bar are worth P3,000,” Tuazon said.

Tuason supervises the implementation of projects under the Metro Gwapo program along EDSA.

The MMDA is currently undertaking the construction of a perimeter wall in front of the Laperal property along the EDSA Guadalupe area; plastering of perimeter walls along EDSA in Barangay Forbes; and the painting of the Cabrera and Malibay pedestrian overpasses. – Jose Rodel Clapano