5 Olongapo cops, 6 civilians charged for Bataan hijack

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Five policemen and six civilians were charged in court for their alleged involvement in the hijacking of a van containing 75 cases of imported liquor in Dinalupihan, Bataan last March.

Reports reaching the office of Chief Superintendent Ismael Rafanan, the new Central Luzon police director, identified the five policemen as Inspector Christopher Obien, PO2s Ysmael Dupa and Jess Centillas, and PO1s Christopher Valera and Rodelio Salas, all members of the Olongapo City police.

The six civilian respondents are Rustan Manalang, Arthur Manalang, Jennifer Obien, Gilbert Obien, Body Ong, and Jojo Domingo, all residents of Olongapo City.

In his report, Senior Superintendent Florencio Buentipo Jr., Olongapo City police chief, said businesswoman Elena Villar filed charges of robbery, hijacking, car theft, attempted murder, grave threats, qualified theft and violation of Republic Act 3019 against the 11 suspects.

Buentipo said the suspects flagged down the van in Barangay Colo, Dinalupihan town, blindfolded and hogtied the driver and his helper, and drove vehicle to Olongapo City.

Police later found the van emptied and abandoned on Bacon street in Barangay East Tapinac, Olongapo City.

Villar’s car, a BMW, was tailing the van when the hijacking took place but the suspects reportedly fired at it with 9-mm pistols.

Police subsequently recovered 33 cases of Johnny Walker from the house of one Cristy Manalang in Barangay East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City.

The 9-mm service pistols of two of the five policemen were found linked to the crime after ballistic tests.