CCPO Recovers Stolen Phones, Urges Sinulog Victims to Claim
In a significant development for public safety, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has issued a public call for owners who lost their cellular phones from last year up to the recent Sinulog festivities to visit their office and verify if their devices have been recovered. This appeal comes as part of an ongoing investigation into a major theft operation uncovered in the city.
Mass Recovery from Leon Kilat Shop
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Losbaños, the information officer of CCPO, authorities have successfully seized a total of 154 iPhones and Android smartphones from a cellphone shop located in Leon Kilat, Barangay Pahina Central. This operation has led to the recovery of a substantial number of stolen devices, marking a crucial step in combating mobile phone theft in Cebu City.
Out of these recovered units, 108 have already been claimed by their rightful owners, who include foreigners, students, and parents. These individuals visited the CCPO to check if their missing phones were among those retrieved. However, not all victims were successful in reclaiming their devices, as some found that their specific cellphones were not included in the batch recovered from the shop.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Actions
The CCPO has escalated the case by filing charges against two suspects who are believed to have been involved in purchasing the stolen cellphones. This legal move underscores the police's commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and deterring future criminal activities. The investigation remains active, with authorities suspecting that additional groups of thieves may still be operating within Cebu City, potentially targeting unsuspecting residents and visitors.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Losbaños emphasized the importance of victims coming forward, especially those who lost their phones during the bustling Sinulog celebrations, to aid in the identification and return process. The CCPO continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activities related to phone theft, as they work diligently to enhance security measures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
