Police have identified eight suspects believed to be behind the coordinated burglaries of two gadget stores in Toril, Davao City, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte, which occurred within hours of each other on June 24. The thefts resulted in losses estimated at ₱2.8 million, according to police reports.
Arrests and Suspects
During a special press conference on July 3, 2026, Toril Police Station commander Police Major Sheryl Yu Bautista disclosed that investigators have identified eight individuals allegedly involved: five men, two women, and one minor. A married couple was arrested on July 1 during a hot pursuit operation at the Triton Border Control Point in Barangay Suarez, Iligan City, after authorities tracked down the white Toyota Hiace Grandia van used as the getaway vehicle. The remaining six suspects remain at large and are the subject of an intensified manhunt.
The two arrested suspects denied involvement, claiming they were not the individuals captured on CCTV footage. The male suspect stated, "Wala po akong kinalaman diyan. Wala po kaming alam diyan, sir. Wala naman kami sa CCTV." He also refuted reports that they traveled from Pasay to Davao, insisting, "Hindi po totoo 'yun. Taga-rito po kami, sir," before adding, "Taga-dito sa Mindanao." He claimed the van was borrowed by acquaintances and that no stolen phones were recovered from them during the checkpoint.
Evidence and Investigation
Police maintained that their identification was based on CCTV footage, witness accounts, evidence gathered during the investigation, and the hot pursuit operation. The burglary appeared carefully planned: on June 23, two female suspects visited the Toril store posing as customers. On June 24, around 2:30 a.m., the getaway van was positioned near the store, and by 3:17 a.m., the group forced entry using bolt cutters, stealing 101 iPhones (new and second-hand) and cash from the register. Initial losses were estimated at ₱1.82 million, later revised to ₱2.8 million.
After the Toril heist, the group proceeded to Tagum City, where another iPhone store was burglarized on the same day before they fled toward Marawi City.
Recovered Items and Charges
During follow-up operations, police recovered 26 iPhone units from Marawi City, believed to have been sold to various gadget stalls. Authorities arrested a Marawi City gadget store owner for alleged violation of the Anti-Fencing Law for purchasing and reselling the stolen phones. Police continue to trace other buyers.
Criminal complaints are being prepared against the identified suspects. Forensic experts are processing fingerprints and other physical evidence from both crime scenes to strengthen the cases.
Tagum Investigation and Reward
The Tagum City Police Station continues its investigation, believing the same group was responsible due to similarities in timing, method of operation, and the getaway vehicle. Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy offered a ₱50,000 reward, and the affected business owner added ₱100,000, totaling ₱150,000 for information leading to the arrest of remaining suspects. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Tagum City Police Station, assuring confidentiality.
