Manila duo busted for phone theft at Dinagyang

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police arrested two theft suspects from Manila following a hot pursuit early Sunday morning, Jan. 25, in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The suspects, identified as alias Ryan, 39, and alias Bong, 35, both residents of Malate, Manila, were apprehended at a convenience store inside Gaisano City Time Square in Mandurriao.

Police said a phone-tracking application led officers to the suspects’ location.

According to a police report, alias Ker, 21, a student from Dungon A, Jaro, Iloilo City, reported losing his Tecno Spark mobile phone and a coin purse containing cash and his driver’s license while at Box Bar, Phase 1, G-Park, Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao, at about 3 a.m. Sunday.

Personnel from Iloilo City Police Station 10 later traced the phone’s signal to a nearby 7-Eleven branch, close to where the victim reported the loss.

Police Capt. Val Cambel, officer in charge of Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 10, said the tracking application enabled officers to corner Ryan and Bong and arrest them at the scene.

The stolen cellphone was recovered from Bong, while the coin purse was found in Ryan’s possession.

The suspects remain in the custody of ICPS 10 for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges.

Records from the City Investigation and Detective Management Unit showed that Bong previously faced a case for violating Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, while Ryan had a prior theft case.

The arrest occurred as Iloilo City hosted Dinagyang, a major annual religious and cultural festival that draws large crowds and increased police deployment.

Following the incident, Iloilo City Police Office officer in charge, Police Col. Wilbert Parilla, issued a warning against crimes during the festivities.

“Let this serve as a clear warning to all bad elements: do not attempt theft or any criminal activity in Iloilo City, particularly during Dinagyang. If you do, be prepared to face the consequences behind bars,” Parilla said.

Parilla said police units were on heightened alert, mobile, and ready to act against anyone who threatens the safety of residents and visitors.