Trio nabbed in Valenzuela for truck theft

INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Three men were arrested at a Valenzuela City checkpoint Friday for allegedly stealing a truck the previous day.

The suspects identified as Alex and Joel Baccay and Felizardo Silva were flagged down in an Opel Sedan (WGA-113) at a police checkpoint on Gen. Luis Street, Paso de Blas, around 5 a.m.

Case investigator Police Officer 2 Robin Santos said a witness saw Alex Baccay get off that same car around 2 a.m. Thursday at the corner of Duhat and Mariano Streets in Bagbaguin and approach an Isuzu Elf truck that was parked in front of a nearby school. He was later seen driving off with the truck, followed by the car.

During questioning, Baccay admitted to the theft after the owner of the truck, Mike Ator, a businessman engaged in buying and selling second-hand trucks, positively identified him as the same man who came to his shop on Aug. 28 and showed interest in buying one. He even took on a road test the truck he would later steal, Ator told investigators.

Santos said the truck’s engine was later recovered at Baccay’s house on Sequina Street, Binangonan, Rizal province, in a follow-up operation.

Baccay identified a fourth accomplice as Rigor Perez, alias Jojo, who he said was also in the car when they stole the truck Thursday.

The three arrested suspects remained in detention Saturday to face charges for vehicle theft. Noli Ermitanio