POLICE operatives arrested a 54-year-old corporate driver in Manila after he allegedly fled with a company vehicle containing high-value luxury watches during a transaction delivery in Fairview, Quezon City.
Under the direction of QCPD Acting District Director PBGen. Christopher Olazo, joint personnel from the Pasong Putik Police Station (PS 16) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) captured the suspect, identified as alias “Sar,” along Ibarra Street in Sampaloc, Manila, on September 12.
The incident occurred on September 10 when the suspect and a co-employee, alias “Lee,” were tasked with delivering six luxury timepieces to a client’s residence.
When Lee briefly stepped out of the vehicle to purchase office supplies, Sar allegedly drove off with the car and the remaining watches.
The suspect abandoned the vehicle at a fast-food restaurant parking lot along Quirino Highway before fleeing the scene.
Lee reported the theft to PS 16 at 9:00 p.m., prompting an immediate investigation.
Through systematic CCTV backtracking, CIDU investigators tracked the suspect abandoning the getaway vehicle and boarding a passenger jeepney bound for Novaliches Bayan.
Follow-up operations over the next 48 hours led officers directly to Sar’s residence in Sampaloc.
Upon his arrest, police recovered a genuine Patek Philippe wristwatch—believed to be among the three stolen items—along with a gray Euro 155 motorcycle, a blue polo barong, gray slacks, and black leather shoes matching the attire worn during the crime.
A formal complaint for Qualified Theft is being prepared for filing before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
Meanwhile, CIDU operatives are conducting follow-up operations to recover the two remaining stolen timepieces.
“This operation demonstrates the QCPD’s swift and systematic approach to investigation,” Olazo said, praising the combined efforts of PS 16 and CIDU.
“From the initial response and CCTV analysis to continuous follow-up operations, our personnel established the facts, traced the suspect, and successfully effected his arrest,” added Olazo.
