WHAT began as a routine missing-person report ended in a criminal arrest after police tracked down a 32-year-old driver in Lipa City, Batangas, for allegedly fleeing with ₱200,000 in cash entrusted to him by his employer.
According to initial reports, the suspect was given the money on September 13 to cover repairs for his employer’s vehicle and to purchase an LPG tank with accessories in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City.
However, the driver failed to return and turned off his mobile phone, prompting his employer to report him missing to local authorities.
Cross-jurisdictional follow-up operations led investigators to the suspect’s location near a convenience store in Lipa City, where a co-worker positively identified him.
Responding officers confirmed that the suspect had failed to account for the entrusted funds and had absconded without his employer’s knowledge or consent.
Police took the suspect into custody and transferred him to the Batasan Police Station (PS 6) in Quezon City for proper documentation.
He is being referred to the Office of the Prosecutor for inquest proceedings facing charges of Qualified Theft under Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge PBGen. Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating units for acting swiftly across regional lines, noting that the arrest aligns with the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) framework.
“Reports are not ignored—they trigger action,” Abrahano said. “We will continue locating those involved and enforcing accountability.”
