“Agtatakaw ti manok”: 3 delivery men nabbed for allegedly stealing Politician’s broilers in Isabela

ISABELA, Philippines — What was supposed to be a routine chicken delivery turned into a “chicken run” gone wrong after three delivery men were arrested for allegedly stealing around P6,000 worth of broiler chickens belonging to a barangay official in Isabela.

The suspects, identified by the Isabela Police Provincial Office as aliases Randolf, 27; Anton, 36; and Nicko, were arrested after the 35-year-old poultry owner, who is also a barangay official of La Paz, Cabatuan, reported the alleged theft to authorities.

According to police, the broiler chickens were loaded by the complainant’s harvester onto an Isuzu truck in Marasat Pequeño, San Mateo, and were supposed to be delivered to San Isidro, Isabela.

What the three delivery men allegedly did not know was that the owner was following them.

Upon reaching Victoria, San Mateo, the owner allegedly saw the three suspects transferring some of the broiler chickens to a Mitsubishi L300 waiting along the roadside.

Apparently unaware that their employer was watching, the suspects continued toward Alicia.

After witnessing the alleged transfer, the owner immediately called 911, prompting the Alicia Police Station to coordinate with the San Mateo Police Station.

At around 7:25 a.m. the following day, Alicia police intercepted the suspects in Barangay Dagupan, Alicia.

The three delivery men are expected to face criminal charges, while police investigators continue working to identify the individuals aboard the Mitsubishi L300 allegedly involved in the incident.

Meanwhile, Isabela Police Provincial Director PCol. Manuel Bringas said the successful operation highlighted the importance of swift response and coordination among police units.

He assured the public that the Isabela police will continue strengthening efforts to maintain peace and order and protect residents’ property and livelihoods.

“Ang mabilis na pagresponde, maayos na koordinasyon, at agarang pagkilos ng ating mga kapulisan ay mahalaga upang mapanagot ang mga lumalabag sa batas. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating police visibility at responsiveness upang maprotektahan ang ari-arian at kabuhayan ng ating mga mamamayan. Sa Isabela PPO, mananatili tayong mabilis, maagap, at tapat sa serbisyo,” Bringas said.