Tagbilaran City Police Office (TCPO) chief Supt. Patricio Degay reminded the public anew that with sufficient evidence, those who buy stolen items can be charged before a court.

Degay’s warning was issued Thursday following the rash of household burglaries in Tagbilaran City in the past weeks believed to have been perpetrated by “Akyat Bahay” thieves.

According to Degay, a complaint for violation against Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law may be lodged against those who purchase pilfered materials.

“’Fencing’ is the act of any person who, with intent to gain for himself or for another, shall buy, receive, possess, keep, acquire, conceal, sell or dispose of, or shall buy and sell, or in any other manner deal in any article, item, object or anything of value which he knows, or should be known to him, to have been derived from the proceeds of the crime of robbery or theft,” the PD states

Degay cited several previous cases wherein persons were charged for violating PD 1612 after items that they bought for lesser amounts and sold at higher prices were proven to have been stolen.

According to the police chief, several personalities known to buy and sell stolen goods are now being monitored by TCPO operatives.

Saturation drives or the “Oplan Galugad” are also being implemented by the police in known areas of Akyat Bahat groups, Degay said.

However, he also noted that some of the said personalities have fled Bohol to other provinces including Cebu.

Most of the alleged thieves in the city are involved in illegal drug activities as money made out of thieving are being used to purchase prohibited substances particularly shabu, Degay added. (Allen Doydora)