THEFT and robbery cases in Davao City decreased by 28.14 percent in 2018 to 521 from 725 cases in 2017.

Police Regional Office (PRO)- Davao Region director Police Chief Superintendent Marcelo Morales attributed this accomplishment to the implementation of Oplan: RAT Tugis (Robbery, Akyat Bahay and Theft), an intensified city-wide operation against robbery.

“We have been very active and stricter on the campaign against crimes. We are also monitoring the movements of other noted criminals including those who seek to be employed as house helps but soon steal from their employers, or with similar modus,” Morales said.

On Saturday, a house helper who stole P100,000 worth of products from his employer was arrested by authorities as part of the Oplan: RAT Tugis on January 5.

The suspect was identified as Michael Jan Pono Gazmen, 28, single, and resident of Purok Talisay, Magugpo West, Tagum City.

Based on the Talomo Police report, the complainant, Vivian Sia Sun, 46, married, self-employed and resident of Door 4, Peace Avenue, KM 7, in Bangkal, called for police assistance after she caught the suspect stealing five boxes of Stem Cell Purtier Placenta sixth edition worth P20,880 per box or a total commercial value of P104,400.

Meanwhile, the suspect is now temporarily detained at Talomo Police Station while a qualified theft case is being prepared against him. (JCR)