Photo courtesy of Manila Police District
Two out-of-school youths were arrested for allegedly stealing metal parts from a truck chassis at Isla Puting Bato in Tondo, an incident that recently went viral on social media.
The suspects were identified as alias “Den,” 18, a resident of Purok 3, Isla Puting Bato, and alias “RPT,” 16, from Gate 13 (Delbros), Parola Compound, both in Barangay 20, Tondo.
According to a report submitted to Arnold C. Santiago, Manila Police District (MPD) director, one of the suspects was caught on video dismantling metal from the chassis of a moving truck.
Delpan Police Station 12 personnel quickly launched a follow-up operation after the video circulated online. The suspects were later apprehended during an “Oplan Galugad” operation while allegedly engaged in illegal gambling (cara y cruz).
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to locate the truck driver or operator to formally file theft charges against the suspects.
The two were brought to the police station for proper processing.
They are facing charges for violating the anti-illegal gambling law (Presidential Decree 1602), while the minor was turned over to the custody of the Manila Department of Social Welfare.
Police said they will continue to intensify patrols along R-10 in Tondo and nearby areas to prevent similar incidents and maintain peace and order in the city.