Authorities have arrested five suspects, including three minors, for stealing two brass markers commemorating World War II veterans at a public plaza in Alabang, Muntinlupa.  

The markers, installed at the Liwasan ng mga Bayani in February 2018, listed the names of veterans from Muntinlupa who fought during World War II, paying tribute to their heroism.  

Muntinlupa police investigation revealed that the markers were stolen on May 8, but the incident was discovered only on May 22.  

Police identified the suspects as a 38-year-old male surnamed Rizalia, a 29-year-old male surnamed Cano, and three minors aged 17, 16, and 15.  

Records show that Cano has five previous cases for violating Presidential Decree No. 1602 (illegal gambling) in July 2018, August 2018, October 2020, November 2023, and April 2024. He also has two cases for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) in 2021 and 2022. Rizalia also had prior cases in 2021 and 2022 related to illegal gambling.  

Authorities identified the junk shop where the stolen brass markers were sold.  

The brass markers that were stolen in Alabang, Muntinlupa (Photos from Muntinlupa PIO)

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon (right) talking to the suspects (Photo from Mayor Biazon's Facebook account)

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon with veterans in front of the markers at Liwasan ng mga Bayani in Alabang on April 9 during the celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Photo from Muntinlupa PIO)

City government personnel discovered the theft on May 22 and reported it to the Muntinlupa police sub-station in Alabang on May 24.  

Prior to the suspects’ arrest, Mayor Ruffy Biazon offered a ₱100,000 reward for information leading to their identification.

“Magbibigay ako ng Reward na ₱100,000.00 para sa impormasyon para makilala at mahuli ang kumuha ng mga brass na plake na nagsilbing marker sa monumento ng mga bayani sa plaza ng barangay Alabang (I will offer a reward of ₱100,000.00 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person who took the brass plaques that served as markers at the heroes' monument in the plaza of barangay Alabang),” Biazon posted on Facebook. 

He added, “Sana mahuli ang mga lumapastangan sa ala-ala ng mga bayaning Muntinlupeño na nakipaglaban sa mga dayuhang mananakop noong World War II. Sa plakeng ninakaw na nakakabit dito nakalista ang pangalan ng mga beteranong gerilya na lumaban para sa kalayaan ng mga Muntinlupeño. Tuwing February 4 natin ginugunita ito. Ipagbigay-alam agad sa Office of the Mayor kung may impormasyon kayo tungkol sa kumuha nito (I hope those who desecrated the memory of the Muntinlupeño heroes who fought against the foreign invaders during World War II are caught. The stolen plaque listed the names of veteran guerrillas who fought for the freedom of the Muntinlupeños. Every February 4, we commemorate this. Please immediately inform the Office of the Mayor if you have information about the persons who took it).” 

The police coordinated with Barangay Alabang personnel who reviewed CCTV footage taken in the area. 

An unidentified resident told the police that he saw the suspects forcibly take the markers at about 3 a.m. on May 8. 

This led to the identification of the five suspects. The three minors, classified as children in conflict with the law (CICL), were turned over to the Bahay Pag-asa in Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City. 

The Muntinlupa police will file a complaint for robbery against the suspects with the Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office. 

However, Biazon said, it appeared that the brass markers were already sold to a smelter. He said a case will be filed against the junk shop. 

“Yun nga lang mukang nabenta na din sa tunawan. Pakakasuhan din ang naturang junk shop (It looks like it was sold to a smelter. The junk shop will also be charged),” he said.