Cebu Police Hold Meeting with Cellshop Owners to Combat Stolen Phone Trade
In a proactive move to address the growing issue of illegal phone trafficking, senior officials from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) convened a meeting with organizers and tenants of establishments along Leon Kilat Street. The discussion centered on the sale, purchase, and repair of cellular phones suspected to be stolen, aiming to curb this unlawful activity that has plagued the area.
Police Leadership and Recent Operations
The meeting was led by CCPO Director, Police Colonel George Ylanan, alongside Police Major Thom Ed Taghoy, the chief of the Carbon Police Station. This initiative follows a significant police operation on January 20, 2026, where authorities seized 154 stolen iPhones from three rooms in a building located in Barangay Pahina Central. The raid highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to tackle the problem at its source.
Legal Warnings Under Anti-Fencing Law
During the gathering, Police Colonel Ylanan reminded business owners of their legal responsibilities under Presidential Decree 1612, commonly known as the Anti-Fencing Law. This legislation imposes strict penalties on individuals caught buying, selling, or possessing stolen goods, including cellphones. Violators can face serious criminal charges in court, emphasizing the gravity of participating in such illegal transactions.
Ylanan stressed the importance of cooperation between entrepreneurs and law enforcement, urging them to avoid involvement in illicit activities to prevent facing severe legal consequences. He emphasized that a united front is essential to maintaining public safety and integrity in the local business community.
Commitment from Business Owners
In response, tenants from Leon Kilat Street pledged their readiness to cooperate with authorities. Business representatives expressed their desire to halt illegal practices among some of their peers, as these activities not only harm their reputations but also jeopardize their livelihoods. They acknowledged that a clean and lawful environment is crucial for sustaining their operations and fostering trust with customers.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Actions
It was reported that on Friday, January 23, theft charges had already been filed against two suspects connected to the recent incidents. Police continue to gather sworn statements from additional victims who have identified their missing cellphones, indicating that investigations are actively progressing to bring more perpetrators to justice.
This meeting underscores the CCPO's commitment to enforcing the law and protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses from the impacts of stolen phone trade in Cebu City.
