Notorious motorcycle ‘thieves’ nabbed

CEBU, Philippines —  Three men, including two of Cebu’s most notorious motorcycle thieves, were arrested in an entrapment operation in Sitio Upper Torre, Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City yesterday dawn.

Operatives of the Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in Central Visayas and the Pardo Police Station nabbed Cedrick Alao Jimenez, 18; Chuz Bonn Granada Espinosa, 19; and Sam Gabriel Marayan, 19.

Jimenez was HPG-7’s most wanted motorcycle thief, followed by Espinosa.

Both of them have a standing warrant of arrest for carnapping. The arrest warrant was issued by Branch 76 Presiding Judge Dennis Larrobis of the Naga City Regional Trial Court.

Police Major Angelo Acupinpin, Pardo Police Station chief, said the other suspect, Marayan, was part of the group of Jimenez and Espinosa.

“Kining ikatulo (Marayan) apil sa ilang grupo kauban nila, caught in the act nato nga in possession sa kinawat nga motor,” Acupinpin told The FREEMAN.

Marayan, in an interview, belied Acupinpin’s accusations.

He admitted though that he was going to purchase one of the stolen motorcycles.

“Wala man ko nikuyog ana nila. Palit nuon ko. Nakuyog lang ko atong pagkadakop karon kay gihuwaman man niya akong cellphone,” said Marayan.

This was confirmed by Jimenez.

“Duha nalang mi nahabilin (Jimenez and Espinosa) kay nadakapn na ang uban. Amo na ibaligya mga motor,” he said.

Espinosa also admitted the crime, saying most of their operations were in southern areas of Cebu.

He said he was involved in the illegal activity for over a year.

Seized from the suspects were seven stolen motorcycles. Owners of these motorcycles are from different areas in Cebu. — KQD (FREEMAN)