Cop nabbed for motorcycle theft in North Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman and his companion were arrested for motorcycle theft in Aleosan, North Cotabato over the weekend, police said Monday.

Senior Inspector Henry Narciso, Midsayap town police chief, identified the suspects as Police Officer 2 Oting Salik, assigned with the Police Public Safety Battalion of the police's regional office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Habib Ali of Parang, Maguindanao.

Narciso said Salik and Ali were arrested in possession of a motorcycle in Libungan town, which they took from a civilian in Midsayap town.

He said that prior to the arrest, the two suspects figured in an accident involving the motorcycle that was driven by a civilian identified as Joseph Capistrano of Midsayap town.

Narciso said Capistrano told them that Salik took his motorcycle and told him to meet them at the Midsayap police station, where they were supposed to talk about the accident.

The policeman and his companion, however, did not show up at the police station.

Narciso said he immediately sought the assistance of the Libungan and Pigcawayan police stations, which led to the arrest of Salik and Ali.

Charges for motorcycle theft will be filed against the policeman and his companion.