CEBU, Philippines - A couple was arrested Sunday for allegedly stealing a high-end phone inside a fast food chain outlet across the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
The suspects, Romelio Halabas, 36, a native of Barangay Acmat, Iligan City, and his live-in partner Rosalina Parcia, 46, of Barangay Tinago, Cebu City, were also found in possession of three packs of shabu.
The suspects were caught in the act of stealing the iPhone 5s of Joelito Bacus, 19, of Linao, Talisay City.
Police Officer 2 Marlon Gonzales, desk officer of Waterfront Police Station, said the suspects were seen mutually helping each other in taking the victim’s phone from his backpack while inside the fast food outlet.
Beat patrol policemen assigned in the area responded to the incident and arrested Halabas and Parcia.
The police found two packs of shabu from Halabas while a pack of shabu was also found in Parcia’s shoulder bag.
Gonzales said that they have reviewed CCTV footages from previous theft incidents in the city and found Parcia’s participation.
“Gi-review na namo ang mga previous na incidents nga na-record sa camera (CCTV), nakit-an namo nga naa ang babaye, pero ang lalaki kay walay apil,” Gonzales said.
The couple will be facing charges for theft and violation of Section 11 Article 2 of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Meanwhile, a man was arrested for illegal possession of firearm in Barangay Pulang Bato, Cebu City last Sunday.
Romel Pelayo, 31, resident of Sitio Candarung in the same barangay, was caught in possession of unlicensed caliber .45 pistol with eight rounds of ammunition.
Inspector Daniel Parucan, deputy chief and investigator at the City Intelligence Branch of the Cebu City Police Office, said they received report from a concerned citizen at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday regarding an armed person near the barangay sports complex.
The caller was not able to identify the subject but was able to give his description to the police. The police responded resulting in the arrest of the suspect. (FREEMAN)