3 'motorcycle thieves' nabbed in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY -- Police have arrested three suspected motorcycle thieves in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Wednesday evening.

Maj. Julhamin Asdani, Sultan Kudarat town police chief, identified the arrested persons as Jomar Utto Ayon, 25, of Barangay Ungap, Sultan, Kudarat, Maguindanao; Lucman Cortez Buat, 23, of Barangay Gang in the same town; and Mohamed Gonzales Yusop, 22, of Barangay Kadingilan, Libungan, North Cotabato.

Asdani said the arrest of the suspects came after a complaint filed by their alleged victim, Casmin Mamadra Madam, 22, of Barangay Pinaring, Sultan Kudarat, who recently lost his Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle and saw it at the vicinity of Barangay Ungap.

Responding cops recovered the stolen motorbike in the possession of Buat, who together with his cohorts, maintains a safe house in Ungap village.

Initial police investigation revealed that the suspects are connected to a carnapping syndicate in the province believed led by a certain “Muin” from Shariff Aguak town.

The suspects are currently detained at the Sultan Kudarat town police lock-up cell pending the filing of charges. (PNA)