German Tourist's Belt Bag Recovered After Being Left in Moalboal Taxi
In a heartening display of local law enforcement efficiency, a belt bag belonging to a foreign tourist was successfully recovered after it was accidentally left in a taxi in Moalboal, Cebu. The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, when the tourist, identified as Bartuschat Tobias from Hamburg, Germany, arrived in Cebu City by boat and hired a taxi to travel to Moalboal.
Swift Action by Hotel Management and Police
Upon realizing the loss, Tobias immediately notified the hotel management where he was staying. The management, in turn, promptly contacted a known official from the Highway Patrol Group 7 (HPG 7), Police Major Silvestre Cenia Jr., who is also a native of Moalboal. All necessary details about the taxi unit were provided to facilitate the investigation.
Under the command of Police Lt. Col. Wildemar Tiu, HPG 7 launched an immediate investigation. They traced the taxi to its company located in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, and personally visited the premises to follow up on the case.
Successful Recovery of Valuables
The efforts paid off as HPG 7 managed to retrieve the belt bag intact. According to Tiu, the bag contained:
- Two 50 Euro bills
- Two 5 Euro bills
- Two Visa cards
- Three identification cards
- One necklace
- One pair of sunglasses
- Two additional cards
This incident highlights the proactive measures taken by local authorities to assist tourists and ensure their safety and security while visiting the region. The quick response and coordination between the hotel management and HPG 7 played a crucial role in the successful recovery, reinforcing Moalboal's reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.
