PNP: Suspect in Chef Tatung robbery case arrested

MANILA — The Philippine National Police on Monday said a suspect was arrested in connection with the robbery in the house of celebrity chef and content creator Myke “Tatung” Sarthou last month in Rizal.

In a statement, Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, said the suspect was arrested in Sitio Paenaan in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City at 5:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Nartatez said he tasked the local police to look into the case after learning of the allegations that Sarthou was repeatedly referred between stations instead of being provided immediate police assistance.

“Every victim who seeks police assistance deserves prompt service and professional treatment,” Nartatez said in the release.

“This case should serve as a strong reminder that every complaint must be treated seriously, that every victim must be given proper assistance, and that police officers would be held accountable in cases of failure to fulfill their sworn duty.”

Police said it recovered a travel bag containing assorted items, including kitchen utensils and decorative items, during the arrest.

The items recovered bolstered the police’s case against the suspect, who was allegedly involved in the burglary that happened on September 25.

He added “there is a standing instruction to the Police Regional Office-4A and the Rizal Provincial Police Office to fully account for the actions of their local units and determine whether lapses were committed in relation to the incident.”

Sarthou previously alleged that police personnel failed to properly document and act on his complaint after his residence was burglarized, police noted.

Police explained that the controversy stemmed from questions over whether the property involved was within the jurisdiction of Baras town or Antipolo City, which are both in Rizal province.

“If a case falls outside a station’s jurisdiction, personnel must provide appropriate assistance, properly document the complaint in accordance with established procedures, and coordinate promptly with the unit concerned,” the PNP chief stressed.

Both the Baras Municipal Police Station and Antipolo City Police Station have relieved personnel involved in the incident pending the results of investigation.