Valenzuela police seek public's help in tracking 'bukas-kotse' suspects
By Hannah Nicol
The Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) on Monday, June 22, appealed to the public for information that may help identify and arrest the suspects behind a “bukas-kotse” incident in Barangay Dalandanan.
Police said a 47-year-old businessman lost around P80,000 in cash, identification cards, ATM cards, and keys after his bag was stolen from his vehicle on June 20.
The incident happened at around 1:48 p.m. in front of a motorcycle parts and accessories shop on MacArthur Highway.
Initial investigation showed that the victim parked his vehicle and accidentally left it unlocked while buying motorcycle parts at a nearby establishment.
When he returned, he discovered that his bag was already missing.
The Valenzuela police said they monitored a social media post about the incident on June 21, prompting VCPS chief Col. Joseph Talento to order an investigation and follow-up operations.
Personnel of Sub-Station 6 reviewed closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, which showed a male suspect opening the driver’s side door of the vehicle, taking the bag, and fleeing on a waiting motorcycle driven by an accomplice.
Police said the suspects escaped toward MacArthur Highway in Barangay Malinta.
Investigators said further review of CCTV footage and intelligence gathering showed the possible involvement of four unidentified male suspects using a red motorcycle and a black motorcycle.
VCPS Chief Col. Joseph Talento (Photo from Valenzuela City Police Station PIO)
Talento said police are pursuing all available leads to identify and arrest the suspects.
“The Valenzuela City Police Station takes this incident seriously. Upon learning of the matter, we immediately directed our investigators and operatives to conduct an in-depth investigation and pursue all available leads. We assure the public that we are doing everything within our means to identify and arrest the perpetrators,” Talento said.
Police urged anyone with information about the incident to coordinate with authorities.
Motorists were also reminded to always lock their vehicles and avoid leaving cash, bags, gadgets, and other valuables inside parked vehicles.