Guard steals firearm, asks money for its return

MANILA, Philippines - A security guard detailed at a hardware store in Valenzuela City was charged with qualified theft yesterday after he stole his service firearm and asked money from his employer for its return.

Miguelito Patricio, who works for the High Profile Security Agency, was supposed to turn over his service firearm to fellow guard Eugene Mendoza after his shift at the Dallas Hardware ended at 11 a.m. Thursday, according to a police report.

Patricio, who refused to turn over the gun, fled on his motorcycle.

Mendoza reported the incident to his supervisor at the agency, who sent Patricio a text message asking for the firearm. However, the guard replied that he would only surrender the gun if they send him P4,000. Valenzuela police officers are searching for Patricio.