By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A van was intercepted by police and three of its occupants were arrested after they allegedly stole a cow along Purok Maisan in Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) town’s Barangay Bunga early yesterday morning. 

Police identified the suspects as 40-year-old Jerry Genelosa, 33-year-old Rollie Francisco, and 23-year-old Rollie Francisco, all residents of Bacolod City.

Don Salvador Benedicto police chief, Police Captain Eugene Tolentino, said they have been receiving complaints from local residents in the area that their livestock are being stolen and loaded into a van.

Tolentino said they immediately coordinated with the provincial police’s intelligence unit for information, after which he ordered his personnel to conduct regular patrols in the area.

The patrols later paid off after cops intercepted a van, and once ordered to open the vehicle’s door, discovered a cow inside.

Tolentino said the thieves’ modus is to rent a van, and temporarily remove the rear seats so that they can load any livestock they stole at the back of the vehicle.

A background on the suspects also revealed that they were previously arrested after failing to return another van they also rented.

However, the case was settled and they were released after the suspects paid the van owner.

The three are facing theft charges and are presently detained at the Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Police Station./DGB, WDJ