Scrap metal thieves arrested

Lucena City , Philippines   – Four male suspects were arrested by Lucena police operatives after they intercepted a robbery incident of 20 tons of metal scraps owned by Four Brothers Junkshop in Barangay Bocohan, this city proper, on Saturday.

Police Superintendent Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan identified the four suspects as Javelino Saldria, 46, resident of Purok Sta. Teresa, Barangay Dalahican; Reynaldo Dellosa, 31; and Celso Mahinay, 35, jobless; and Iluminado Tamayo, 34, driver of the vehicle that carted the scrap metals and residing at Purok Pagkakaisa of Barangay Iyam here in Lucena.

Police Officer 3 Aldin Rañola said in his reports that around 9 p.m. in the evening, Lucena police operatives composed of Special Weapons and Tactics Group received a text message from junkshop owner that a truck (PTY 196) suspiciously parked at the said place. Policemen checked the truck and found out Iluminado and a helper hogtied inside the vehicle and said they were forced by Saldria, Dellosa,and Mahinay to unload 20 tons of metal scraps.

FBJS owner, a certain Ms. Calusa said that the driver Iluminado who signed the delivery receipt to unload the scrap metals in a smelting plant in Calaca, Batangas cheated Calusa, confessing they would collect at the payment for themselves. Charges were filed against the suspects.        – Michelle Zoleta