Parañaque cops arrest 4 men for cable theft, illegal tapping
The arrested suspects (Photo from Paranaque City Police)
Police arrested four men allegedly involved in illegal tapping and theft of communication cables during an early morning police operation in Parañaque City on Friday, May 16.
The suspects were identified only as Rommel, 28; John Zedrick, 18; John Rose, 27; and Rodel, 32.
Personnel of Parañaque City Police Substation 5 were conducting routine patrol operations at around 4 a.m. along Dr. Arcadio Santos Avenue in BF Homes when they spotted three men opening a Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) manhole.
Police said one of the suspects entered the manhole and later emerged carrying copper cables, while the other two acted as lookouts.
Upon noticing the approaching policemen, the suspects fled aboard an aluminum van. A brief chase followed, leading to the arrest of three suspects in the Bicutan area.
Authorities said a fourth suspect later appeared at the police substation and claimed ownership of the getaway vehicle. He was positively identified by police officers as the group’s alleged backup driver and was also placed under arrest.
Recovered from the suspects were two pieces of PLDT copper cable, a bolt cutter, a chain, a steel bar, a metal saw, four improvised steel hooks, and various construction gear allegedly used as disguises during the operation. Police also impounded a white Foton Tornado van believed to have been used in the crime.
The suspects are currently detained at the police custodial facility and are facing charges for violation of Section 4(d) of Republic Act 10515, or the Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013.