P14.7-M BATTERY HEIST: More raps filed vs junk shop owners, two others

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Two telecommunication firms filed a joint criminal complaint against four persons in relation to the P14.7 million worth of stolen telco batteries that were recovered from DLC Junkshop on Mabini Street, Barangay 25 here two weeks ago.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) assisted a representative of Smart and PLDT in filing the complaint for violation of  Presidential Decree (PD) 1612 or the Anti Fencing Law, before the City Prosecutor’s Office here last Friday.

The case was filed against junk shop owner Dennis Coo Jr., his brother and co-owner Daniel Coo, manager Rammely Abaring, and Rodimar Juaneza, a security guard.

On July 6, the local government served a notice of revocation of business permit and closure to the said junk shop due to some violations allegedly committed by the establishment, including apparent misrepresentation made by the junk shop with regard to their operation.

Two days prior to the said closure, Globe filed a separate complaint for violation of the anti-fencing law against the same persons.

Fencing refers to the selling and buying of stolen items.

On June 29, the BCPO recovered 136 units of telco batteries amounting to P13.6 million from the said junk shop, after they intercepted a black van wherein 15 units of 12 volts 180AH batteries amounting to P1.5 million were also recovered.

Three persons were arrested, while five others, including their leader, are at large, according to the police.

This group was allegedly behind the missing telco batteries from a cell site in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on June 28.

These batteries are of good quality that can be used for solar power, according to the police.

Lieutenant Colonel Sherlock Gabana, officer-in-charge of the Mobile Patrol Unit that led the operation, earlier said that Abaring was assigned to supervise the daily operations of the junk shop and caters to clients since Daniel is based in Manila.

Gabana said that Daniel is the real owner of the junk shop but because he’s based outside the city, the business permit was issued to his older brother Dennis.

The Coo brothers and the two others have yet to comment on the said matter, as of this writing.