Three men in Cagayan de Oro City were arrested on Thursday, October 2, 2025, for allegedly stealing aluminum railings from the Macanhan Flyover in Barangay Carmen.

Police launched the operation after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cagayan de Oro First District Engineering Office reported missing aluminum pipes that served as railings of the flyover.

During the operation, authorities recovered at least 42 cut aluminum pipes, among others, valued at more than P300,000.

“Nag-conduct dayon og hot pursuit operation ug diha, pinaagi sa usa ka eyewitness, natumbok ang location niining mga suspetsado diin miresulta kini sa arrest sa tulo ka suspek,” Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) Spokesperson, Capt. Emilita Simon, said.

The suspects were later brought to the City Mayor’s Office, where Mayor Rolando Uy spoke with them and asked for their motive.

The suspects reportedly owned up to the crime and said poverty pushed them to steal the pipes. They could reportedly sell the pipes at P26 per kilo.

“Giangkon man nila kaning salaod ug ila pud giingon nga tungod sa kalisod ug kapobrehon, ilang ginakuha kining mga railings tungod mohalin kini og mahal nga tag P26 ang kilo. Apan dili kini basehan nga rason para mohimo og susama niini nga mga salaod,” Simon added.

The suspects are facing robbery and theft charges.

Authorities reminded the public not to resort to illegal means just to have money.

“Unsa ba gyud ang igo pa gyud nga basehan ang kapobrehon nga naa na man daghan pamaagi nga ma-offer ang gobyerno nga makapanginabuhi ta, ease of livelihood para matabangan ang kapobrehon o maayudahan ang kapobrehon, apan nag-result gyud sila sa ingon ani nga pamaagi,” Simon said.