3 alleged car thieves fall in Kidapawan - police

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines - Three suspected car thieves allegedly operating in Central Mindanao were arrested following a three-hour pursuit in this city, police said Wednesday. Chief Inspector Leo Ajero, city police director, identified the suspects as Vicente Maglana, 34, of Balindog village here; Benedicto Duran, 35, of Toril, Davao City; and Samuel Macario, 22, of Dipolog City. Ajero said the manhunt started after the suspects staged a highway robbery in Lanao village here about 9 a.m. One of the victims was identified as Elizalde Tobida, 60, a businessman from Barangay Balindog. After the robbery, the suspects headed toward the interior of Balindog village. Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team of the Kidapawan City police immediately proceeded to the area. After three hours of manhunt, policemen led by SPO2 Alyson Biongan collared the suspects. Initial investigation showed the suspects are members of a syndicate operating in Central Mindanao, Ajero said. The suspects reportedly admitted to police their areas of operation include General Santos City, Bukidnon, and Davao City. Ajero said two more members of the syndicate hiding somewhere in the city are now subjects of their manhunt. At least five charges of motorcycle theft and robbery are being readied against the suspects, police said. - Malu Cadeliña Manar, GMANews.TV