2 Valenzuela city hall workers nabbed for oil pilferage

Two city hall employees were arrested yesterday for stealing diesel from the City Health Office (CHO) in Valenzuela City.

The Valenzuela City police apprehended Sofronio Domingo Jr., alias Jonjon; and John Ian Espinosa, both detailed as drivers of the CHO.

Charges of malversation, violation of the anti-graft and corrupt practices act and the code of ethical standards for government employees have been filed against the two.

A certain Dante Tan, an alleged buyer of the pilfered fuel, remains at large. City legal officer Vic Bonaobra III said Tan will be charged with violating the anti-fencing law.

Police officers yesterday spotted the suspects entering Tan’s compound and unloading two containers from their government service vehicle (SFC-498).

Unknown to the suspects, they were already being tailed by police officers from the time they left the CHO office at around 10 a.m. and filled eight plastic containers with diesel oil at the Valenzuela City Action Center.

Bonaobra told The STAR that they confiscated Domingo’s cell phone and some names listed in the phone’s directory will be investigated for their possible involvement in oil pilferage. A certain “Willie” sent a message ordering 50 liters from the suspect.

Bonaobra believes this is a big-time operation thas has been going on for some years.

Some 240 liters in several containers, including one and a half drums, were found in the suspects’ possession.

The official added that the CHO is allocated 100 liters per day for operations and the suspects keep 36 liters of the daily allocation for themselves.