Hotel thieves fall

CEBU, Philippines - Police arrested Tuesday two men who were reportedly responsible for a series of thefts in an uptown hotel at Escario Street, barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City.

Rolando Sabalanse, 31, and Fredielyn Cuyos, 24, were arrested after video footages showed them entering Windland Tower Condominium in four instances.

At least four foreign guests have reported losing items inside their rooms.

The condominium’s building administrator, Kooky Alvarez, said management sought help from the police after receiving complaints.

Alvarez said the thieves must have connived with the security guard and some hotel staff because the suspected thieves were able to get hold of master keys and stayed at a particular room at the 12th floor of the building.

Among the victims who also rented the rooms at the 12th floor were an American national, a Korean national, and a Japanese national.

Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, who heads the City Intelligence Branch of the Cebu City Police Office, said they conducted a follow up operation and were able to identify the suspects.

He said Cuyos has a standing warrant of arrest for robbery.

The two men were arrested at their homes in barangays Carreta and Calamba.

Police recovered the stolen items that included video cameras, a laptop, an ipad, and other valuable items.

The American national, who works as a private investigator in the United States, said he will file cases against the suspects. (FREEMAN)