QCPD operative foils motorcycle theft in Cubao; two suspects arrested
Suspects tried to steal a QCPD's motorcycle in Cubao early Saturday morning
Layout by Sheila Figueroa for DAILY TRIBUNE
A Quezon City Police District (QCPD) operative nearly lost his motorcycle to thieves after parking it in Cubao early Saturday morning for foot patrol duties. Upon returning, he caught two suspects already astride the motorcycle and attempting to start its engine, leading to their immediate arrest.
P/Lt. Col. Ramon Solas, commander of QCPD Station 7 (Cubao), identified the suspects as alias “Rito,” 23, and alias “Rafael,” 24, both residents of Barangay San Isidro, Montalban, Rizal.
Solas said the suspects were apprehended at the corner of Aurora Boulevard and Stanford Street in Barangay Socorro, where P/Cpl. Chikino had parked his motorcycle. Chikino, along with P/Cpl. Passilan, arrived in the area at around 3:15 a.m., parked a yellow Yamaha Mio 125, and conducted foot patrols.
When the officers returned at around 4:10 a.m., they saw the two suspects already on board the motorcycle and attempting to steal it, prompting their swift arrest.
Upon inspection, police discovered that the motorcycle’s ignition switch had been forcibly damaged using a flat screwdriver to start the engine.
Recovered from the suspects were an improvised firearm or pen gun with one live round of ammunition found in Rito’s sling bag, and a hand grenade, a pair of shorts, a hoodie jacket, and the flat screwdriver used to tamper with the motorcycle, recovered from Rafael.
A subsequent records check showed that Rafael has prior criminal records for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) and theft, while Rito has no previous criminal record.
The suspects will be charged with violations of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016. In addition, Rito will face charges under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, while Rafael will be charged under Republic Act No. 9516 for unlawful possession of an explosive or incendiary device.
“This case demonstrates the vigilance and quick response of our officers on duty. Criminals who attempt to steal or carry weapons on our streets, especially this coming holiday season, will be promptly apprehended,” QCPD Acting Director P/Col. Randy Glenn Silvio said.