POLICE in Central Luzon on Thursday arrested four suspects and recovered 19 tons of stolen molasses in Abucay, Bataan.
Nabbed were drivers Franklin Cañete, of Bgy. San Ildefonso, Magalang, Pampanga; and Jimmy Carag, of Cauayan, Isabela; helpers Jhun Miguel, of Cauayan City, Isabela, and Joel Austria, of Abucay, Bataan.
In a report to Police Regional Office director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., based on an intelligence report by an informant, the Regional Special Operations Group 3 and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3 led by Lt. Col. Jay Dimaandal launched a joint operation and arrested the four suspects pilfering the truckload of molasses in Roman Highway, Bgy. Mabatang, Abucay town.
The molasses, worth at least P335,000, were owned by the employer of the suspects.
Another suspect identified as Freddie Batilo was able to escape and is being sought by the authorities.
Police seized the 10-wheeler truck containing the stolen molasses and a 12-wheeler empty truck.
Charges for qualified theft and violation of the Anti-Fencing Law will be filed against the arrested suspects.
Hidalgo commended his men for the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen molasses.
