5 ‘book thieves’ nabbed in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines - Five alleged members of a syndicate specializing in shoplifting and fencing books from bookstores all over Metro Manila were arrested in Quezon City earlier this week, an official said yesterday.

At least 500 books allegedly stolen from National Bookstore and other bookshops were confiscated from Aziel Patawaran, alias Ruffy Villanca, 31; Joseph Arce, 54; Ana Dulay, 28; Rose Marie Martinez, 28; and Mila de Aroz, 54, said Senior Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar, Quezon City Police District director.

The stolen books are either sold online and at shops along Recto Avenue in Manila for half the price, police said.

Patawaran, Martinez and Dulay were arrested on Wednesday after guards caught them stealing books from a National Bookstore branch at Fishermall and bringing them to a getaway vehicle, where Arce was waiting. Arce was also arrested.

The guards reported the theft to police officers, who seized 20 books, worth P37,000, and a Kia Rio (AAA-9913) from the suspects.

Romy Gabinar, assistant security manager of National Bookstore, said they have at least two closed-circuit television videos from Fishermall and another branch in Mandaluyong showing the suspects stealing books.

Police officers arrested De Aroz at her stall along C.M. Recto Avenue after the suspects identified her as their fence.

More than 200 books, worth P85,000, reportedly stolen from National Bookstore were confiscated from De Aroz’s stall, said Superintendent Igmedio Bernalidez, Masambong station commander.

Police also confiscated a van loaded with books, supposedly stolen from other bookstores in the city.

De Aroz was charged with violation of Presidential Decree 16129, the anti-fencing law, while the four other suspects were charged with shoplifting.

Police also found out the suspects were previously involved in a theft case in Sta. Rosa, Laguna; and face charges of physical injury, serious disobedience and reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property in Biñan, Laguna.

Patawaran also has two standing warrants of arrest for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries and theft.