Arrested man in carnap case tagged as 'king of hot items'
Carnapping charges will be filed today against the two male suspects arrested by city cops Wednesday following that successful hot pursuit operation minutes after the service motorcycle of The News Today (TNT) was stolen.
One of the subjects, 50 year-old Rodrigo Gabrillos has apparently been subject of earlier police surveillance and tagged in his barangay as "king of hot items."
Popularly known in the area as alias "Boyaks," Gabrillos a source from Barangay Ortiz said, is the man to look for when it comes to stolen items up for sale and resale. Same source said he was also eyed by the intelligence community as the 'pointman' of missing and stolen pumpboat motor-engines that were reported months back to have simultaneously occurred in the coastal area.
In fact, "Boyaks" was once visited and sternly warned by a top police official when talks spread of yet more heist 'credited' to him.
Gabrillos fell into the hands of authorities courtesy of fellow suspect 25 year-old Anthony de la Cruz earlier positively identified by TNT newsboy Joseph Lanzar as the culprit. De la Cruz after a lengthy police pursuit led combined elements of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Police Precinct 1, the Iloilo City Mobile Group (ICMG) and the Waterfront Police Detachment to the Gabrillos household where not only Lanzar's motorcycle was recovered but four other units suspected to be stolen as well.
Ortiz Barangay Captain Boy Castillano when reached for reaction explained that efforts have since been beefed up in his barangay to rid the community of criminal presence. In fact, he immediately went to see PP1 Commander, Senior Inspector Conrado Carganillo and expressed continued barangay support and vigilance against illegal activities.
With Wednesday's bust, Castillano called anew for the return of more stringent practice in the travel of motorcycle to and from Barangay Ortiz and the Province of Guimaras. Previous practice had motorcycle owners secure a separate license prior to departure of any and all pumpboats. Such has been discontinued amidst complaint of delays from commuters.