By Jennifer P. Rendon
Four individuals, including a minor, were arrested during the Dinagyang Festival 2025 in Iloilo City for allegedly staging a mobile phone theft spree.
Members of the Iloilo City Police Station 4 arrested suspects known as alias Maricar and alias JP, both 34 and residents of Tondo, Manila, at around 12:45 a.m. on January 26 in Barangay Infante, Molo.
Two other suspects, identified as Kevin, 33, a trader from Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, and a minor female companion, were apprehended inside a motel in Barangay McArthur, La Paz, Iloilo City, at 1:51 a.m. the same day.
Captain Ryan Christ Inot, head of the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) and Iloilo City Police Station 4, believes the suspects are part of a syndicate.
The group reportedly included eight members who traveled to Iloilo City for a planned theft spree.
“We are looking for the other four members, but it’s highly possible they already left for Metro Manila,” Inot said.
Police recovered 30 mobile phones from the suspects.
Of these, 18 phones have been returned to their owners, but most victims opted not to file charges against the suspects.
“Only three victims have signified their intent to file cases,” Inot added.
The arrests stemmed from a complaint filed by Russel, 48, of Barangay Magsaysay, City Proper, Iloilo City.
Russel claimed he was waiting for a ride when Maricar bumped into him. He noticed someone touching his pocket and realized his phone was missing.
Upon confronting Maricar and JP, Russel spotted his phone in JP’s possession. He immediately sought assistance, and police intelligence operatives who were nearby pursued the suspects.
Kevin and his minor companion were arrested following an entrapment operation.
Authorities confiscated various mobile phone brands, including Asus, Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix, along with a knot-tied plastic bag and two sachets of suspected shabu.
Maricar and JP face theft charges, while Kevin and the minor are charged with violating Presidential Decree 1612 (Anti-Fencing Law) and Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Police continue their search for the group’s remaining members as part of an ongoing investigation.
