Surprise!: Angkas rider discovers own motorcycle on Facebook Marketplace a week after it was stolen, seller nabbed
At A Glance
- Police Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the good news was that the motorcycle was recovered and returned to the owner after showing the proof of ownership.
photo: NCRPO
He was supposed to try his luck in buying a cheapest motorcycle to continue earning money, but this Angkas rider got the biggest surprise of his life after he saw his motorcycle stolen a few days ago being sold at the Facebook Marketplace.
“The victim recognized in the Facebook Marketplace listing a motorcycle that matched the physical features of his black motorcycle, stolen on July 27 outside his residence in Bacood, Sta. Mesa,” said Police Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Aberin said the Angkas rider then sought the assistance of the Sta. Mesa Police Station, which immediately launched an entrapment operation.
At around 5 p.m. on Aug. 5, a 27-year old suspect was arrested after receiving the supposed payment for the sale of the stolen motorcycle of the Angkas rider at the corner of Rival Avenue and Blumentritt Street in Santa Cruz district.
Aberin said another good news was that the motorcycle was recovered and returned to the owner after showing the proof of ownership.
Police also seized the cellphone used in the posting at the Facebook Marketplace and during the entire transaction that eventually led to his arrest.
Aberin said the suspect was taken to the Ospital ng Sampaloc for medico-legal examination and is now under police custody. He faces violation of Presidential Decree No. 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law) in relation to Republic Act No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
“This operation reflects NCRPO’s readiness to respond not only to crimes committed in public spaces, but also those that use technology as a tool,” said Aberin.
“We will not allow attempts to use the technology in criminal activities. Criminal elements have no place on social media space, we will do our best to run after them,” he added.