The Las Piñas City Police arrested two Lalamove riders on Saturday after failing to deliver the packages of a customer.
The suspects were identified as Diomar Mindo, 38 years old, account executive of Polylite Industrial, and Louie Jay Cadenas, 28 years old, driver.
According to the report, the victim intended to transfer her personal belongings to her new apartment on 30 November. The customer booked a Lalamove service to transport her items to the new residence where the suspects allegedly claimed the supposed delivered items valued at P220,000.
The victim waited for the arrival of her belongings but suspicion arose when the items were marked as "delivered" within the app despite not having received the items.
The Las Piñas police conducted a follow-up operation on 2 December, to arrest Diomar Mindo and Louie Cadenas. The delivery service used by the suspects for transporting the victim's belongings was discovered by PSMS Glenn Acaba, PSSG Lary Reparejo, and PCPL Mark Edwin Orongan, who recovered three boxes and one luggage that constituted the victim's missing items.
According to PSMS Glenn Acaba, the suspects are still in the process of starting their modus operandi.
"This is their first arrest based on our record. They are just starting their modus operandi," Acaba said.
Acaba added that the boxes had been opened and some of the valuables were missing.
"The driver, Louie, was trying to make an alibi that the delivery service had some problems that need to be repaired. But when we conducted the follow-up operation, we found out that the boxes have been opened and other things were missing," the police added.
Acaba also confirmed that the suspects used some of the victim's valuables.
The victim extended her appreciation to the swift action and quick response of the police officers.
"I am thankful for the quick response of the Las Piñas City Police in taking swift action in their investigation and helping me recover my valuable item," the victim said.
Mindo and Cadenas are currently detained at the Las Piñas City Police Station SIDMS office and have already been charged for violation of Article 315 (Swinding/Estafa) of the Revised Penal Code.