By By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A 34-year-old jobless man was arrested Saturday in Sta. Ana, Manila after CCTV footage showed him taking a wallet containing P20,000 from a motorcycle parked in an alley, police said.
Caught on Camera, Arrested Same Day
The suspect, identified as Mark Anthony Loveña, 34, of Dagonoy St., San Andres Bukid, was arrested at about 6:00 PM on April 19 after complainant Mariel Pascual, 31, recognized him on barangay CCTV footage.
Police said the theft occurred at around 12:00 AM in an alley in front of 2377 Interior 25, Pasigline St., Barangay 779, Sta. Ana. Footage showed Loveña walking through the alley, stopping beside Pascual’s parked motorcycle, and taking a wallet left on the vehicle.
Wallet Recovered, Cash Gone
Pascual, a business owner who lives at the same address, reported the incident after reviewing the barangay CCTV. She positively identified Loveña as a co-resident of the same barangay.
She then sought help from Pat Alvin Tusing and Pat Christian Paul Binasoy of Dagonoy PCP. The officers, along with barangay officials, proceeded to the suspect’s residence at 1943 Dagonoy St., where he was arrested.
The wallet was recovered from Loveña’s possession, but the P20,000 cash was missing. Only Pascual’s identification cards remained inside.
Suspect Invokes Right to Silence
The arresting officers informed Loveña of his constitutional rights under R.A. 7438 and the charge of theft under Article 308 of the Revised Penal Code. He opted to remain silent.
Loveña was brought to the nearest hospital for medical and physical examination before being turned over to Sta. Ana Police Station (PS-6) for investigation. The case is now for inquest proceedings.
ia/xf
