By Matthew Go
A suspected motorcycle thief was arrested in San Mateo, Rizal, on December 18 after being identified through CCTV footage, police said.
According to PCol. Felipe Maraggun, director of the Rizal Police Provincial Office, the suspect, identified as “Jonel,” 31, is a resident of Barangay Burgos, Rodriguez, Rizal.
The arrest followed a complaint from a 65-year-old retired police officer, who reported his motorcycle stolen after briefly leaving it parked with the key still in the ignition. CCTV footage showed the suspect driving the motorcycle toward Rodriguez.
A police pursuit led to the suspect’s arrest, during which investigators found that his modus operandi involved stealing motorcycles left with ignition switches on or keys inside. Another victim from Barangay Ampid 1 identified the suspect, and the stolen motorcycle was recovered.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is facing charges under Republic Act 10883, the New Anti-Carnapping Law of 2016, authorities said.