CEBU, Philippines - Personnel of the Theft and Robbery Section of the Cebu City Police Office rounded up four female Manila-based pickpockets who were planning to victimize people during the Sinulog celebration.
The suspects, who reportedly admitted being pickpockets, were picked up at a downtown pension house Wednesday evening, TRS chief Rolando Pinili said.
Pinili further said that at least four wallets without contents were recovered from the suspects’ respective possessions.
According to Pinili, they have been coordinating with the management of pension and lodging houses in the city where pickpockets were known to stay in the past Sinulog festivals in order to take advantage during the Sinulog festivities.
They then received information that the suspects were staying at a pension house along Junquera Street, the third place they reportedly transferred to after they were first spotted at a pension house along Manalili St., Pinili said.
The women were identified as Ma. Corazon Martines, Janet Cerdeña, Angeline Dela Torre and Charlotte Salvador, all from Manila.
The suspects denied being members of a criminal gang, but Pinili said they admitted during tactical interrogation that they were involved in pickpocketing activities.
“Niangkon pud sila na miari sila para mag-ampo unya kung duna sa’y binta, manguot pud sila. Niangkon g’yud sila, ‘mandurukot kami, sir.’ (They admitted that they came here to pray but if there is an opportunity, they will also prey on victims. They even admitted that they are pickpockets),†Pinili further said.
If no complainant would appear to file a case against the arrested women, one of whom has a previous record of theft charges, Pinili said they will be asked to return to Manila.
The TRS chief further revealed that seven to ten persons have checked into the pension house and some of them were elusive upon noticing the arrival of the police. (FREEMAN)