Men's pageant contestant nabbed for car theft

A contestant of a male beauty pageant was arrested in Parañaque City for car theft, John Consulta reported on “24 Oras.”

Identified as Marlon Billen, the suspect was apprehended by the members of the Highway Patrol Group-National Capital Region (HPG-NCR) moments before he took the stage for a pageant.

According to the police, he was a former sales agent in a car company who was able to steal over 10 vehicles through an “assume balance” scheme.

“Marami po siyang ginagamit na pangalan, mga alyas na para makapangloko at makapaglabas ng mga sasakyan sa mga malalaking dealer dito sa kalakhang Maynila,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Joel Mendoza, HPG-NCR chief, said.

(He was using different names and aliases to deceive and take vehicles from huge dealers in Metro Manila.)

The suspect denied the accusations and said he was also a victim.

“’Yung mga sasakyan na pina-assume nila ay sinalo ko ng may kapalit na pera. Tumanggap sila ng cashout na napakalaki. Kesa mahatak ng bangko, perahin pa nila,” he told GMA News.

“Ako naman biktima lang din dito kasi pinasalo nila sakin ang sasakyan,” he added.

(I assumed the cars and paid for them.  They got huge money from the cash out. ..I am just a victim here...)

Meanwhile, police called on the buyers of the stolen vehicles to surrender them.

“’Yung mga nakabili nitong mga sasakyan na ito, bukas po ang ating opisina para mai-surrender po ninyo itong mga sasakyan na ito. At para hindi na po tayo magkaroon ng mga kaso,” said Mendoza.

(For those who bought the vehicles, our office is open for you to surrender them. That way, you will avoid having cases.)—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA News