A 28-YEAR-OLD man was arrested after he allegedly stole the television of his former landlord in Blessed Lorenzo Ruiz Village, Puan, Barangay Talomo, around 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
The Talomo police identified him as Oliver Mamada Libana, unemployed, and a resident of Barangay Igpit, Bagumbuhay, Digos City.
The landlord, alias J, personally reported that his TV mounted in his garage was missing. He immediately suspected his former tenant.
His suspicions were confirmed when a neighbor informed him that the suspect emerged from the owner’s house on a motorcycle carrying the TV. He even attempted to sell it to their neighbors for P6,000.
The suspect was arrested in a hot pursuit inside his new rented room in Matina Aplaya.
Police recovered the 43-inch N-Vision flatscreen Smart TV valued at P25,000 and a Union Desk electric valued at P1,000.
The suspect might also face additional charges since he wore a police athletic uniform at the time of his arrest.
“This incident is just part of our quick response to any crime reported to us,” Talomo Police Station chief PMaj Noel Villahermosa said.
He also warned the public to be wary since landlords are too quick to trust anyone who rents a space.
“At this time of year, people take advantage of other people. It is very important for the landlords to do a complete screening and not just be persuaded by how fast the renter can give the deposit or advance. You must have to check their police records also or ask for a police clearance, “ he said.
For now, the suspect is detained at the Talomo police facing a theft case and for violating Art.179 or the illegal use of uniform and insignia.
