Iloilo City, Philippines – Four individuals, including a minor, were arrested on January 26, 2025, during the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City for allegedly carrying out a mobile phone theft spree. The suspects were apprehended by members of the Iloilo City Police Station 4, who had been investigating a string of thefts during the festival.
The first two suspects, identified as alias Maricar and alias JP, both 34 years old from Tondo, Manila, were arrested around 12:45 a.m. in Barangay Infante, Molo. The other two suspects, Kevin, a 33-year-old trader from Pasig City, and a minor female, were arrested in a motel in Barangay McArthur, La Paz, Iloilo City at 1:51 a.m. that same day.
According to Captain Ryan Christ Inot, head of the Iloilo City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), the suspects are believed to be part of a larger theft syndicate that had planned a mobile phone stealing spree in Iloilo City. The group, reportedly consisting of eight members, had traveled to Iloilo specifically for the crime. Police are still searching for the remaining suspects, although it’s suspected they may have already returned to Metro Manila.
The police recovered 30 stolen mobile phones, with 18 already returned to their rightful owners. However, most victims chose not to pursue charges, and only three victims have expressed an intention to file complaints.
The arrests stemmed from a complaint by Russel, a 48-year-old from Barangay Magsaysay, Iloilo City. Russel claimed his phone was stolen by Maricar after she bumped into him. Upon confrontation, he saw his phone in JP’s possession, prompting him to call for police assistance. Nearby officers were able to pursue and arrest the suspects.
Kevin and his minor companion were taken into custody during an entrapment operation. Police also recovered a variety of mobile phone brands, including Asus, Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix, along with a knot-tied plastic bag and two sachets of suspected shabu.
The suspects Maricar and JP face theft charges, while Kevin and the minor face additional charges for violating the Anti-Fencing Law (Presidential Decree 1612) and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).
