13 suspected truck hijackers nabbed

MANILA, Philippines – Thirteen men were arrested after the Highway Patrol Group intercepted three hijacked trucks carrying P2.5 million worth of stolen industrial resin in Valenzuela City yesterday.

Arrested were sales agents Don Lee and  Ariel Alvarado; and drivers and truck assistants Jorge Pellazar, Joleto Miranda, Randy Katipunan, Ariel Alcomendas, Bobby Rivera, Bonifacio Sagusay, Jolito Sagusay, Reynaldo Chu, and Rodel Botrol.

Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, HPG commander, said the 11 were arrested in the operation inside the First Malinta Industrial Subdivision.

Two others, Mamerto Reambillo and Cesar Cabansag were arrested in a compound in Barangay Libtong, Meycauayan, Bulacan where the stolen tractor and the two other trucks were being cannibalized, he added.

Police said the trucks were loaded with 1,000 bags of Talripro plastic resin used in the manufacture of plastic goods.

Espina said the intercepted cargo was part of a shipment of industrial chemicals stolen last Oct. 23 along Capulong Street in Tondo, Manila.

The stolen chemicals were loaded into a 40-foot container van, he added. – Mike Frialde, Cecille Suerte Felipe