Telecom battery thief caught

MANILA, Philippines - A man was arrested in Valenzuela City Sunday for stealing batteries from a telecommunication firm’s outside plant access cabinets (OPAC) in Metro Manila.

Ryan Gulamtico, 31, was apprehended in front of a gasoline station in his Toyota Altis (XBX-156), city police chief Senior Superintendent Rhoderick Armamento said.

Sixteen Bayantel OPAC batteries and assorted tools were found in the car. Gulamtico told investigators he sold the batteries to the A & R Junkshop and identified his companions as Garry Malagamba and Joselito Carandang.

Armamento said at least 545 batteries were stolen in Malabon, Navotas, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Quezon City.