Farm hand nabbed for theft, illegal drugs; Bicol’s most wanted rape suspect arrested

By Jordan Domingo

CAMARINES SUR --- Police arrested a farm caretaker in Nabua for alleged theft after stolen personal belongings were recovered from his backpack, while illegal drugs were also seized from his possession during the lawful arrest, authorities said.

According to the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (CSPPO), the incident occurred at around 3:15 p.m. on July 19 in Barangay Malawag, Nabua.

The victim, identified only by the alias “Zacky,” 65, reported that his black leather wallet containing around P3,000 in cash, a senior citizen ID, an ATM card, and a black wristwatch had gone missing.

Responding personnel from the Nabua Municipal Police Station conducted an investigation, which led to the recovery of the victim's missing belongings inside the black backpack of the suspect, identified only as alias “Joms,” 29, a caretaker and a resident of Sampaloc, Manila.

During the search, police also recovered suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia from the suspect's possession. Confiscated were approximately 0.3 gram of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P2,040, around 4 grams of suspected marijuana valued at P480, a glass tube pipe, and other personal items.

Police said the search and inventory of the recovered evidence were conducted at the scene in the presence of the suspect and required witnesses while being documented using two Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs).

The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and taken to the Nabua Municipal Police Station. Charges for theft and violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared for filing before the prosecutor's office.

In a separate operation on the same day, police arrested a Regional Most Wanted Person in Naga City.

The Tracker Team of the Calabanga Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the San Pablo Component City Police Station, apprehended a 47-year-old construction worker identified only as alias “Talong” at about 8:27 a.m. in Zone 5, Barangay Balatas.

Police said the suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for qualified rape of a minor, with no bail recommended. The operation was likewise documented using an Alternative Recording Device.

Authorities said the accused was informed of the reason for his arrest and of his constitutional rights before being placed under the custody of the Calabanga Municipal Police Station for documentation and subsequent turnover to the court of origin.