A 29-year-old man is now behind bars after being caught in the act of stealing expensive cellular phones from an establishment along Gen. Maxilum Avenue in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 17, 2026.
Brazen Theft at Uptown Vibes Bar
The suspect, identified as Dimar Tagalog Ancajas, a resident of Wireless, Mandaue City but originally from Daanbantayan, Cebu, targeted patrons at Uptown Vibes past 4:00 a.m.. Police investigation revealed four victims lost their phones during the incident.
One of the victims, an Israeli national named Mohamed Jbara, who is temporarily staying in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Cebu City, noticed his iPhone 16 valued at P50,000 was missing while inside the bar. When he looked around, he allegedly saw Ancajas taking it. However, when Jbara tried to apprehend the suspect, the phone had already been passed to an accomplice who managed to flee immediately.
Partial Recovery and Staggering Losses
Upon searching Ancajas, authorities recovered a Samsung Galaxy A22 worth P13,000, owned by victim Rejie Apuradu Tabuelog. This was the only unit successfully retrieved.
The three other high-value phones, suspected to have been carried off by the escaped accomplice, remain missing. The unrecovered items include:
- An iPhone 14 valued at P35,000 owned by Kenneth Languido.
- An iPhone 13 valued at P30,000 owned by John Paul Salvador.
- The iPhone 16 worth P50,000 owned by Mohamed Jbara.
In total, the stolen property is estimated to be worth a staggering P128,000.
Charges Filed and Police Action
The suspect, Dimar Tagalog Ancajas, is currently detained at the police station. Authorities have prepared to file a formal Theft case against him. The manhunt for his accomplice, who escaped with the majority of the stolen phones, is ongoing as police continue their investigation into this organized cellphone robbery.
This incident serves as a reminder for the public, especially in nightlife areas, to remain vigilant with their personal belongings to prevent becoming victims of similar crimes.
