THEFT complaint was filed before the City Prosecutor's Office in Bacolod City against the nine members of alleged theft syndicate who were arrested during the highlights of the MassKara Festival on Sunday, October 23.
Major Ramel Sarona, commander of Police Station 1, said they charged on Monday afternoon, October 24, Elaine Guarin, Jonathan Calinap, Felix Navales, Rovelen Avelar, Jay Ann Benlot, Bea Ramirez, Alfredo Pascual Jr., Shane Aniñon, and Jomari Salarda, all of legal age from Metro Manila.
He said Guarin was also charged with violation of Republic Act 8484, or an “Act regulating the issuance and use of access devices, prohibiting fraudulent acts committed relative thereto.”
He said the suspects are now processing their documents to bail at P10,000 each to secure their temporary liberty.
Investigation showed on Saturday, Guarin tried to use the stolen credit card in a mall, but fortunately the owner of the credit card already reported to the bank that it was stolen.
Sarona said Guarin was positively identified by the owner of the credit card and was endorsed to Police Station 1.
He said Guarin admitted that she was operating along with her companions from Luzon, who were renting a house in a subdivision at Barangay Mansilingan.
He added that Guarin's companions were arrested in a followup operation in the said barangay on Sunday morning.
Police recovered from the suspects' possession several stolen identification cards, cellular phones, and wallets.
Sarona said they are still conducting further investigation to determine the financier of the suspects who are operating not only in Bacolod City but also in some cities in the country.