Contractor ‘stole’ steel items from own project

CEBU, Philippines - For allegedly carting away steel items which are supposed to be used for the ongoing construction of a rock crusher machine, a 41-year-old man was arrested by Compostela policemen last Tuesday afternoon.

Efren Cobong, a resident of Barangay Jagobiao, Mandaue City, and a contractor of the ongoing construction operation, reportedly stole three pieces of steel items and commanded his co-worker, Jerwin Montero to deliver the same to his neighbor’s house.

However, Jerwin figured a vehicular accident and injured his left leg while on his way to deliver the stolen goods to Cobong’s neighbor.

Compostela Mayor Joel Quiño reported before the town’s police force that there was a theft alarm in Sitio Calmaran, Barangay Basak, Compostela.

Senior Police Officer 2 Jaime Marolina, who led the team in verifying the report, arrested Cobong while on site.

Police Officer 3 Michael Magallon, desk officer of Compostela Police Station, said his colleagues left their station yesterday morning to file the complaint before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against Cobong.

However, his colleagues were not able to file the same after Quiño reportedly told them that he will no longer pursue the filing of complaint.

Magallon said he was not informed why Quiño backed out in the filing of complaint.

At 5 p.m. yesterday, Cobong was released from the custody of the Compostela Police Station as the reglamentary period already expired. (FREEMAN)