Metrowalk’s ex-treasurer arrested

Police arrested the former treasurer of the Metrowalk complex at the Ortigas Commercial District in Pasig City for the suspect’s alleged failure to account for P7.3 million in company funds.

Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Leon Nilo de la Cruz said the suspect, Ma. Theresa Mañalac, disappeared after withdrawing P7.344 million from a bank last April 4, 2008.

Mañalac, of Penthouse D. LPL Plaza, 124 Leviste St., Legaspi Village in Makati City, is the wife of Chito Mañalac, the administrator of the Metrowalk complex. Mrs. Mañalac is now detained at the Pasig City police jail.

The Mañalac couple told police investigators that they don’t owe the Metrowalk owners any debt.

De la Cruz said Mrs. Mañalac was at the Monterey Meat Shop, which is located besides the EPD annex headquarters along Meralco Ave., when she was spotted by Pasig City policemen headed by Police Officer 1 Victor Bantog at 5:30 p.m. 

Armed with an arrest warrant issued by Judge Amelia Manalastas of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 268, Bantog arrested Mrs. Mañalac, who did not resisted arrest.

Court records showed that Mrs. Mañalac is facing qualified theft charges filed against her by the Optimus Property Holdings Corp. for withdrawing P7,344,000 from the company’s bank account. — Non Alquitran