CCTV catches ex-workers rob Mandaue plastic firm

CEBU, Philippines - A plastic factory in Barangay Cubacub, Mandaue City lost cash and a laptop after its office was allegedly burglarized Thursday evening by two of its former employees.

Kevin Chua, 21, who works as operation supervisor for Plasticell Marketing and Manufacturing Corp. discovered his Acer laptop worth P25,000 which was placed on top of his table was already missing when he reported for work on Friday morning.

He also noticed that the drawer of his table was partly open and upon verification, he found out that his P25,000 cash and another P30,000.00 owned by the company were also lost.

Suspecting that their factory was burglarized, Chua immediately reviewed their CCTV camera and was able to identify alleged suspects Clifford Tamayo, 22, of Barangay Cambaro, Mandaue City and Franklin Rabanes, 21, of Barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue City.

The suspects were both former workers at Plasticell.

Investigation conducted by SPO1 Tirso Plania revealed the suspects were able to gain entry by destroying the plywood walling and the insulation foam of the victim's office.

Upon entering, Rabanes signaled to Tamayo to twist the CCTV camera to another direction. Their faces were already captured by the camera, however.

Senior Police Officer 1 Plania said suspects were positively identified by the employees and even by the brother of one of the suspects as the ones who divested Chua's laptop and cash.

Tamayo was identified by his elder brother who also worked in the same company and the brother helped the police in the arrest of his sibling.

During a hot pursuit operation, however, both suspects were no longer in their respective houses and have gone into hiding.

It was learned that Tamayo was terminated December last year due to his constant absences while Rabanes was also terminated on the same cause four days before the burglary took place.

Although both suspects remain at large, a robbery case is being prepared against the duo to be filed against them this  Monday.  (FREEMAN)