Baptist church ransacked; even spoons, forks stolen

Five people were arrested in Valenzuela City after allegedly ransacking a Baptist church during the Holy Week, their loot including appliances, guitars, plastic chairs, and even spoons and forks.

The suspects—Ricky Cordero, Vicente Figueroa, Maricel Figueroa, Marie Deneros and Thym Charles Marvin Abalos—were able sell the appliances immediately after the break-in and unknowingly exposed themselves after one of the buyers complained, police said.

They allegedly broke into Missionary Baptist Church in Sta. Monica, Ugong, while its Pastor Boyet Ricafrente and his family, who also lived in the church, were on a trip out of town, according to  the Valenzuela police chief, Senior Supt. Rhoderick Armamento.

The burglary was discovered around 11:30 p.m. on Black Saturday, when the Ricafrentes returned, Armamento said.

“Apparently, (the pastor and his family) left the church without securing it properly. The suspects practically ransacked the whole place. Even the spoons and forks were taken,” Armamento said.

Among the stolen items were a television set, a speaker system, a DVD player, three electric fans, an air-conditioning unit, carpets, a gas stove, 10 monoblock chairs, two guitars and a nebulizer.

“Someone reported that the DVD player that was sold to him did not work. When we asked for descriptions of the people who sold the used appliance, the pastor recognized them,” Armamento said. “We have recovered some of the stolen items.”

Cordero and company spent Easter Sunday in jail to face robbery charges. Nathaniel R. Melican