By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — A tricycle driver and an alleged member of the Manila City Hall City Security Force (CSF) were arrested after they were caught transporting suspected stolen PLDT copper cable wires in Ermita, Manila early Wednesday morning.
The Manila Police District identified the suspects as Jaycee Monreal, 21, and Joemarie Binarao, 46, who allegedly works as a security guard for the Manila City Hall CSF.
According to police, PLDT security personnel launched a stakeout operation along Antonio Villegas Street near Arroceros Street in Barangay 659-A, Ermita after a series of copper cable theft incidents were reported in the area.
At around 5 a.m., roving guards allegedly spotted Monreal driving a tricycle carrying several cut copper cable wires loaded in its sidecar.
The guards immediately stopped the vehicle and inspected the items, where they reportedly discovered markings identifying the wires as property of PLDT.
During the confrontation, Binarao allegedly arrived at the scene and introduced himself as a member of the City Security Force.
Police said Monreal later pointed to Binarao as the person who allegedly instructed him to transport the copper wires. The tricycle driver also claimed Binarao was assigned in the area where the cables were supposedly taken.
Both suspects were subsequently arrested and brought to the Lawton Police Community Precinct before undergoing medical examination at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.
Authorities recovered eight pieces of cut copper cable wires measuring a total of 36.8 feet, along with a black Rusi motorcycle with sidecar bearing plate number 911QYR.
Police are now preparing charges for violation of Republic Act 10515, or the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013, against the two suspects.
The suspects are set to undergo inquest proceedings before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for evaluation and filing of formal charges.
ia/xf
