SPD cop, criminology student arrested for fencing motorbikes

MANILA, Philippines - A rookie policeman and his alleged partner, a graduating criminology student, were arrested by the Caloocan City police Sunday night for allegedly buying stolen motorcycles and selling them to fellow police officers at low prices.

Chief Inspector Rodrigo Soriano, city police investigation chief, said Police Officer 1 Eduardo Lomboy Jr., 29, and Jerome Aniscal, 25, were caught in an entrapment operation.

Senior Inspector Gaylord Tamayo said they arrested Lomboy in the act of receiving P14,000 in marked money. Seized from the suspects were a white Yamaha Mio and a red Yamaha Amore with improvised “for registration” plates. Police also took Lomboy’s government-issued .9mm Beretta handgun.

Tamayo said they received tips from informants that the two men allegedly buy stolen motorcycles for P8,000 each and sell them for as much as P14,000. The regular price for the two stolen motorcycles range from P50,000 to P70,000. Most of their buyers are allegedly also rookie police officers.

Soriano and Tamayo believe the suspects belong to an organized crime syndicate.

Lomboy and Aniscal were initially charged with violating Presidential Decree 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law.

Soriano said Lomboy, assigned at the Southern Police District public safety battalion, is also facing administrative charges and may be dismissed from police service.