Trike drivers wrangle over stolen bike

MANILA, Philippines - A tricycle driver was arrested in Sta. Mesa, Manila yesterday for stealing a motorcycle from another tricycle driver.

Jon Jon dela Cruz said he is the rightful owner of the motorcycle he and his companion, dismissed Manila policeman Oliver Sangel, stole from Melvin Nacu’s house Saturday. He said they brought the motorcycle to a motorcycle shop to remove the sidecar.

Dela Cruz told The STAR he has papers to back up his claim. He said he bought the motorcycle two years ago from a dealer on Pureza street, but someone borrowed it from him last year and never returned it.

He said he heard his motorcycle was impounded in Manila and the dealer has transferred to another location.

Dela Cruz said he was sure that the motorcycle is his property because it also bears the same license plate number.

Nacu, on the other hand, said he has papers to prove his ownership. He added that he has talked to representatives of the dealer who sold him the motorcycle to testify in his behalf.

Dela Cruz, however, said the “new owner” indicated in the ownership papers before the motorcycle was turned over to Nacu was the same man who had been collecting his monthly amortization on the motorcycle.

Police officers at the Manila Police District (MPD) said this could be a case of a motorcycle being sold to two individuals. Investigators said they have yet to complete the probe.

The MPD has also launched a manhunt for Sangel, who remains at large.