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MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have arrested a couple for allegedly stealing the belongings of a British national in Project 4, Quezon City.
Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said Friday that the couple was arrested after a series of follow-up operations by members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU).
“[Police Major] Don Don Llapitan, Chief of CIDU, identified the couple as John Bernanrd Diarez Navarra, 35 years old, resident of Brgy. Milagrosa, Quezon City, and Lorie Jean Bernal Navarra, 32 years old, resident of Antipolo City, Rizal,” the QCPD said in a statement.
According to the QCPD, the theft occurred on December 6 at a fast-food restaurant in Project 4. The couple allegedly fooled the British national before stealing the personal things of the victim.
Police said that after the CIDU identified the suspects, detectives located them in Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City, Rizal.
In coordination with the Calabarzon Police Regional Office and local officials, police said Lorie Jean was invited to the barangay hall, where CIDU operatives showed her evidence of the theft, such as photographs and CCTV footage. She reportedly admitted that she and her husband stole the victim’s belongings. She then disclosed to authorities the whereabouts of her husband.
According to the QCPD, John Bernard was located at a fast food chain in Quezon City.
“Police operatives approached the suspect and introduced themselves as police officers. However, suspect John Bernard resisted and shoved one of the police officers, which resulted in injury of the latter in his right hand. A brief commotion [ensued] but the suspect was subdued and arrested. During the body search, recovered from the suspect is a sachet of suspected shabu,” the QCPD said.
Some of the stolen items recovered from John Bernanrd’s residence in Quezon City include cash amounting to P18,000, £180 British pounds (equivalent to P12211.89), the victim’s passport, assorted keys, a credit card, and more, police said.
The Navarra couple will be charged with violation of Article 308 of the Revised Penal Code or theft, police also said.
“Additional charges for Resistance in Person of Authority and violation of [Republic Act] 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 will be filed against suspect John Bernard before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office,” according to the QCPD.
Meanwhile, QCPD Director Torre said: “Lubos akong nagagalak sa ipinapakitang kasipagan ng ating mga kapulisan upang malutas lahat ng krimen dito sa ating lungsod. Indeed, our citizens need the quality service they deserve. Rest assured that we will continue our sworn duty with utmost honesty and sincerity.”
(I am pleased with the efforts shown by our police so that all of the crime in the city will be solved. Indeed, our citizens need the quality service they deserve. Rest assured that we will continue our sworn duty with utmost honesty and sincerity).
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