A 39-year-old man was caught stealing batteries of vehicles in broad daylight along the national highway in Barangay Mancup, Calasiao, Pangasinan.

The suspect, a resident of San Fabian, was removing two batteries from a six-wheel truck when the driver caught him in the act.

He attempted to flee but was cornered quickly by responding police officers.

Authorities said this was not the first time the suspect had committed such thefts.

"May mga pumunta rito from other barangays claiming na itong taong ito ay suspek din na kumuha ng battery," PLT. Julfre Ayson, Intelligence and Investigation Officer of Calasiao Police Station, said.

Police suspect he has also targeted vehicles in Sta. Barbara, San Carlos, and Dagupan City.

During interrogation, the man admitted to stealing batteries to sell them for quick cash.

"’Yung battery daw, madaling mai-dispose. Naibebenta niya from P500 to P1,000," Ayson added.

The suspect, who started stealing batteries on March 14, expressed remorse.

"Sa mga nakuhanan ko po, 'di ko po sinasadya. Ngayon ko lang [ginawa] dahil sa problema namin," he said.

He was charged with attempted theft on the same day he was arrested, which was also his birthday.