A 21-year-old man from Barangay Maribulan, Alabel, Sarangani Province was caught stealing coconuts inside a plantation by a security guard.
The guard immediately acted upon noticing suspicious movements inside the plantation, successfully apprehending the suspect before he could escape from the area.
During questioning, the suspect claimed that someone ordered him to steal the coconuts but refused to reveal the alleged person’s identity.
Authorities identified the suspect only by his alias “Jeppy,” a resident of Purok Cebuano, Barangay Maribulan, Alabel, Sarangani Province.
Inside the detention cell, Jeppy chose to remain silent, refusing to provide additional information regarding his involvement and possible accomplices.
The security guard stated that the suspect appeared nervous during the arrest, further raising suspicions about his true motives and possible connections.
Local police took custody of the suspect, documenting the incident thoroughly and preparing necessary legal actions for the reported coconut theft case.
Community members expressed concern about the incident, emphasizing the importance of vigilance to prevent similar theft cases within agricultural areas in Alabel.
Authorities continue their investigation to identify the alleged individual who instructed Jeppy, aiming to dismantle possible networks involved in coconut theft.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by plantation owners and security personnel in protecting valuable agricultural resources from theft and exploitation.
