Tondo tanods collar sari-sari store ‘thief’

A 35-year-old man was arrested early Thursday morning by barangay watchmen and Manila Police District Station 7 officers after he allegedly robbed a sari-sari store in Barangay 157, Tondo, Manila.

Police identified the suspect as Jonel Gravador y Tamayo, a jobless resident of 2022 Interior 22 G. Perfecto Street, Barangay 157, Zone 14, Tondo.

According to the complainant, store owner Virgilio Soleta, he discovered the break-in at around 3 a.m. on 26 June, after noticing that the padlock to his store had been forcibly removed. Upon entering and taking inventory, he realized several items and cash were missing.

Soleta reviewed CCTV footage from his store and recognized the suspect as Gravador. He immediately reported the incident to the barangay post, where he also serves as a barangay tanod.

Acting on the report, Soleta, together with personnel from MPD Station 7, proceeded to the suspect’s residence in the same barangay and arrested him.

The stolen items include six one-liter bottles of Alfonso Light valued at P1,920, and P1,000 in cash. None of the stolen items were recovered.