Two Aklan natives arrested in Iloilo motorcycle theft

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two suspected motorcycle thieves from Aklan province were arrested in a hot pursuit operation on the evening of Jan. 14 in Iloilo City, police said.

The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Vinz,” 24, and “Jay,” 26, both residents of Kalibo, were apprehended in separate locations in the Molo and City Proper districts.

Police said the suspects stole the motorcycle of a 22-year-old Angkas rider that was parked along Barangay San Antonio, Molo, at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday after the victim accidentally left the key behind.

The victim, identified only as Ann, initially thought her motorcycle had been towed or cited for illegal parking before reporting the incident to the Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 4 at about 5:30 p.m.

Capt. Ryan Christ Inot, chief of ICPS 4, said police immediately reviewed closed-circuit television footage in the area.

Inot said the footage captured Vinz near a mall in Barangay San Pedro, Molo.

Police later cornered Vinz at the City Social Welfare and Development Office compound in Barangay San Pedro, Inot said.

When authorities recovered the motorcycle, it had already been spray-painted white from its original red color.

Asked to present the motorcycle’s official receipt and certificate of registration, Vinz told police the documents were with Jay, whom he identified as the person who repainted the vehicle.

Inot said police tracked Jay to a mall along Valeria Street in the City Proper, where he was allegedly looking for a buyer for the stolen motorcycle.

Jay was arrested at the mall’s food court at about 7:35 p.m., police said.

Inot said Ann had previously met the two suspects on Dec. 27, 2025, when they initially discussed the possible sale of her motorcycle, a Motoposh BIDA 110 unit.

She later backed out of the transaction after sensing the suspects had no intention of purchasing the motorcycle, police said.

Unaware that she was being followed, Ann later became a victim of the theft after the suspects allegedly tailed her and took advantage of the unattended motorcycle, Inot said.

Police said the two suspects are part of a group of five individuals, including a minor, from Kalibo who are allegedly involved in illegal drugs, shoplifting and theft activities.

Inot said Vinz and Jay had previously been jailed for robbery and theft cases, prompting police to monitor their movements.

The suspects reportedly went to Iloilo City, rented an apartment to store stolen items and planned to intensify theft activities during the Dinagyang Festival, police said.

Inot clarified that the minor companion was unaware of the group’s alleged criminal activities and was told they were going to Iloilo City to shoot a music video.

The two suspects are now detained and will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10883, also known as the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016.