“Stolen” cellular phones seized from sidewalk

CEBU, Philippines - The Restoration Order and Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) team seized Wednesday at least 40 mobile phones, which are believed to be stolen and displayed on the sidewalk along Sanciangko corner Leon Kilat streets.

“Ang cellphones ato ni siyang na confiscate for obstruction sa sidewalk kay kining mga items giladlad ni siya along Sanciangko corner Leon Kilat,” Raquel Arce, Probe head said.

Thirty-three of the 40 mobile phones were handed to the Theft and Robbery Section (TRS) of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) yesterday at Cebu City Hall, while seven others  were returned to the owners after presenting receipts.

“Rason nganong i-turn over sa TRS kay wa ko sa position to hold these,” Arce said.

On the other hand, Arce is inviting people who lost their phones to theft to visit the CCPO and present receipts and other necessary documents.

“Kun kinsa toy mga nabiktima sa pagpangawat sa cellphone, snatching pwede nilang ma adto sa TRS aron matan-aw nila and show sila og ownership sa unit,” Arce said.

Further, Arce said they strongly believe that the mobile phones displayed at certain sidewalks in the downtown area are stolen items. 

“Mao gyuy usa sa atong gidudahan nga kining mga cellphone na dili ila, kon dili kinawat ni siya,” Arce said.

To recall, there was a prior order of the city government to clear sidewalks of obstruction.

The probe is also eyeing to tap TRS for a joint operation to have a more productive and successful outcome.  (FREEMAN)