Grave robber arrested

MANILA, Philippines - A grave robber gave himself away when he sold a metal casket to a junkshop right outside a cemetery in Quezon City.

Phil Garcia, 23, will be charged with theft, while the junkshop owner will face charges of violating the Anti-Fencing Law.

Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr., Quezon City police Station 4 commander, said Garcia allegedly destroyed the tomb of Cristeta Castro at around 5 p.m. on Monday. Security guard Alex Robin sought police assistance after he found out that the tomb had been ransacked during his evening rounds at around 8 p.m., he said.

Pedrozo said Garcia threw out the skeleton of Castro, who was buried 10 years ago, and sold the metal casket to a junkshop outside the cemetery.

Police traced the casket to the junkshop after receiving a report from Robin, he said.

Castro’s relatives have come forward to press charges against Garcia, Pedrozo said.