Cops nab motorcycle thief in Tondo

MANILA, Philippines - Manila policemen have nabbed a jobless man reportedly responsible for a series of motorcycle thefts in Tondo, Manila.

Intelligence chief Superintendent Ernesto Fojas Jr. said Froilan Dianzen, 44, is allegedly involved in several thefts of motorcycle units in Tondo and neighboring areas. He was arrested while about to drive away a parked Honda XRM motorcycle (IY-3177) along Padre Herrera street in Tondo by elements of the District Intelligence Division of the Manila Police District.

According to Fojas, Dianzen even managed to escape by driving the stolen motorcycle but he collided with a passing car which resulted in his fall.

The owner of the motorcycle, Tito Villanueva, 38, of Navotas City, filed charges of violation of the anti-carnapping law against Dianzen.

Moreover, the MPD, through its anti-carnapping section, has filed additional charges against a Korean-led carnap syndicate following the recovery of a rented car reportedly stolen by its leader.

Fojas said carnapping charges were filed against Oh Ku Kwon, 37; Louiegene Marucot, 48; and another Korean who remains at large. Fojas declined to name the other Korean since a manhunt operation is presently ongoing. Kwon, an overstaying alien, had previously been arrested by the Pasay City police for carjacking and robbery charges. Raul Ceniza, 40, a company driver, and Ricardo Yumul, 41, reported to Manila police that Kwon had rented a 2010 model Toyota Avanza (PCO-109) from their company, Sun Bin Transportation owned by another Korean, on March 14.

Ceniza said he drove the rented car with Kwon, Marucot and the Korean at-large. Ceniza said he was instructed to drive his clients to several malls in Manila wherein they stopped at Harrison Plaza, while Kwon instructed him to buy him a prepaid cell phone load. He said when he returned, Kwon with his three companions immediately drove away.

Follow-up operations led for the recovery of the stolen car in Parañaque City on March 21. The car’s original license plates were removed and were replaced with NVO-980.