Cops arrest suspect in viral PUJ holdup

CEBU, Philippines —  A robbery suspect linked to a viral stabbing incident inside a public jeepney was arrested during a police operation in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

Authorities identified the suspect as alias “Jovani,” 44, who was arrested after allegedly robbing a female student inside a public jeepney traveling along C. Padilla Street on April 25, 2026.

According to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the suspect allegedly boarded a jeepney and later demanded valuables from passengers.

The situation escalated when a female student from the University of San Jose–Recoletos refused to surrender her cellphone, prompting the suspect to stab her during the confrontation.

The victim’s cellphone was taken during the incident but was later recovered following the suspect’s arrest. She was immediately brought to a hospital for treatment and is now in stable condition.

Police said the suspect was arrested at around 9:35 p.m. on April 25 in Sitio Kahuyan, Barangay Mambaling, after authorities received a report of a man seen carrying a firearm.

During the operation, officers recovered a .45 caliber Colt Officers pistol loaded with two bullets from the suspect. He failed to present legal documents for the firearm, resulting in his arrest.

Investigators said the suspect matched the description of the individual involved in the earlier jeepney robbery along C. Padilla Street.

The suspect denied intentionally stabbing the victim, claiming the student resisted when he tried to take her cellphone. He also admitted prior involvement in robbery cases and a history of incarceration, although police said these claims are still being validated.

He is set to face charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, while robbery-related complaints are also being prepared. Additional charges, including robbery with violence, remain under evaluation as the investigation continues.

The suspect was presented before Mayor Nestor Archival at Cebu City Hall yesterday following public attention generated by the viral incident.

Archival directed authorities to strengthen security measures and urged the public to remain vigilant. He also encouraged residents to immediately report incidents and save the CCPO hotline numbers for quick response

The mayor further advised the public to relay concerns through the official CCPO Facebook page or community channels for faster coordination and response.

CCPO Director Police Colonel George Ylanan urged victims of robbery incidents in the Mambaling area to come forward and file complaints to help strengthen cases against the suspect.

Ylanan said the arrest underscores that criminals have no place in Cebu City, adding that police operations against wanted individuals will continue without letup.

Authorities credited the successful operation to intensified police visibility and strong community cooperation, reinforcing ongoing efforts to maintain peace and order in transport areas. — (FREEMAN)