Man Detained After Stealing Wallet from Fish Port Vendor in Cebu City
A 37-year-old man is now in custody at the Sawang Calero Police Station following an incident where he stole a wallet from a vendor at the Fish Port Market in Barangay Suba, Cebu City. The theft occurred on the morning of Saturday, January 24, 2026, sparking a swift police response and investigation into the matter.
Details of the Theft Incident
According to the investigation, the event unfolded at approximately 9:00 AM while the 29-year-old victim was busy attending to customers at her stall. The victim had placed her wallet on the side of her standing area, making it an easy target for the perpetrator. The suspect, identified as Riche Gabuya Fernandez, a single man and resident of Belgium Street in the same barangay, was observed lurking nearby, waiting for an opportune moment.
When the vendor became distracted with her duties, Fernandez quickly seized the wallet, which contained P4,800 in cash and several important identification documents. He then fled the scene immediately, attempting to escape without detection. The victim only noticed the theft later, prompting her to shout for help, but Fernandez ignored her cries and continued running away, evading immediate capture.
Arrest and Police Action
Following the report, authorities from the Sawang Calero Police Station acted promptly, leading to the arrest of Fernandez. He is currently detained as the case undergoes further legal proceedings. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about petty crimes in public markets and the importance of vigilance among vendors and shoppers alike. The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining security in such areas to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
