5 more file raps versus 'devotee' over stolen cell phones

Five more victims filed their complaints yesterday against the arrested “devotee” who allegedly stole their cell phones during Friday’s Black Nazarene procession.

The complainants rushed to the Manila Police District headquarters after watching news programs where Rogelio Regalado, 29, of Tondo, Manila was presented by District Mobile Patrol Unit chief Superintendent Rolando Tumalad.

“The complainants recognized Regalado as the same person who was beside them, but lost himself in the crowd after they noticed that their cell phones were missing,” District Mobile Group chief Senior Superintendent Pablo Balagtas told The STAR.

Regalado, wearing a maroon t-shirt bearing the image of the Black Nazarene, was arrested along Katigbak Drive where the Black Nazarene procession was passing, with four stolen cell phones.

Balagtas also presented Cevito Baloloy, of Palanca street, Quiapo, who snatched the cell phone of a female devotee along Jones Bridge in Escolta. Police recovered the cell phone and returned it to its owner.

Operatives of the Manila Police District’s theft and robbery section also rounded up six suspected pickpockets, including four women, during the procession.  – Nestor Etolle