Alleged pickpocket from Basilan collared

CEBU, Philippines - As expected by police authorities, more people are indeed flocking now here in Cebu with the start of the activities leading to the Sinulog festivity on January 17. Some of them are from other provinces who come here to prey on unsuspecting tourists, just like the one arrested last Friday night.

Richard Agapay Manala, 40, a resident of Isabela City in Basilan, was arrested after allegedly victimizing 66-year-old American national Ronald Thyryll Woods when he bumped onto the foreigner on purpose to be able to fish out the wallet which contained P30,000.

Manala was reportedly with three other cohorts who were able to elude arrest, bringing with them the stolen item.

Woods, who hails from Texas, USA but who currently resides in V. Rama-Englis, barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City was with his family and friends at the vicinity of a mall along N. Bacalso Avenue waiting for a taxicab when a man bumped onto him.

Immediately after, one of the thieves took his black folding wallet placed at the right front pocket of his pants. The wallet contained the P30,000 cash.

Upon noticing, the victim screamed for assistance which caught the attention of some bystanders and a brief chase was made.

One of the bystanders was able to corner Manala.

PO3 Filomeno Viquezo Jr., assigned with Traffic Group of the Cebu City Police Office who was manning the traffic at the area, effected arrest upon the suspect.

A follow-up operation for the possible apprehension of Manala’s cohorts and for the recovery of the loot was made. The police raided a pension house near the place where the suspects reportedly temporarily stayed but that they were already able to sneak away.

The arrested suspect is now detained at the CCPO stockade while a charge for theft, in relation to the act of pickpocketing, is being prepared against him. — Nina G. Sumacot/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)