Cebu Police Office Transforms into Electronics Hub After Major Raid
The headquarters of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has taken on an unusual role as a temporary electronics center. This follows a significant operation where authorities recovered dozens of stolen mobile phones and are now awaiting rightful owners to come forward and claim them.
Details of the Raid and Recovery Operation
The recovery effort originated from a targeted raid conducted on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Police officers executed the operation at a building located along Leon Kilat Street in Barangay Pahina Central. During this action, authorities successfully seized a total of 154 mobile devices, which included both iPhones and Android smartphones.
As of Thursday, January 22, 2026, the CCPO has made substantial progress in returning the stolen items. Out of the 154 devices recovered, 108 have been positively identified and handed back to their legitimate owners. However, 46 phones remain unclaimed and are currently being held in police custody.
Stream of Claimants and Investigative Efforts
According to CCPO information officer Lieutenant Colonel Jose Losbaños, the police station has experienced a continuous flow of individuals hoping to retrieve their expensive devices. The claimants comprise a diverse group, including foreigners, students, and parents. Many of these phones were reportedly stolen during major public events that took place over the past year.
In response to the case, authorities have already initiated legal proceedings by filing charges against two suspects. These individuals are accused of engaging in illegal fencing activities involving the stolen electronics. Lieutenant Colonel Losbaños clarified that the charges were filed promptly to adhere to legal deadlines and prevent any potential technical issues, even as investigators continue to collect affidavits from the remaining victims.
Police Resources and Expanded Investigation
To manage the influx of claimants and streamline the process, the CCPO has assigned eight investigators specifically to assist with this case. Each officer is responsible for handling approximately 10 victims, a strategy implemented to expedite the necessary documentation and verification procedures.
Meanwhile, the police are broadening the scope of their investigation. There is a growing belief among authorities that a larger criminal syndicate is involved in the operation. This syndicate is suspected of receiving and reselling the stolen phones, with activities potentially centered at a major mall located in Cebu City's downtown area. The ongoing probe aims to uncover more details and dismantle the network responsible for these thefts.
