Five arrested after theft inside Philippine Senate compound

Pasay police have arrested five individuals, including a live-in couple, in connection with a theft that occurred within the Senate compound in late July. The couple is accused of stealing computer accessories from a media outlet's tent, with authorities recovering some of the stolen equipment, including a television and printer.

Investigators detailed that the suspects allegedly used a saw to cut through the rear steel fence of the Senate complex before entering the media tent. The stolen items included a television set, two printers, two folding tables, an extension cable, three pocket WiFi devices, a stool, and office supplies. The theft was discovered by three media personnel who reported it to Senate security.

During the operation to apprehend the suspects, police also took three other people into custody. These individuals included the father of one of the primary suspects, who faces an obstruction of justice allegation. Two others were allegedly caught gambling and were arrested for illegal gambling and drug violations. All five suspects are currently in police custody.

The police investigation into the theft began on July 30 after the equipment was reported missing. The affected media outlet was identified as the state-run IBC. The suspects were initially identified by aliases "Itik" and "Beverly."