Cebu Police Recover 154 Stolen iPhones After Sinulog Festival
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has successfully recovered 154 stolen smartphones, predominantly iPhones, following a major operation targeting a known fencing operation for stolen goods. The recovery comes in the wake of the Sinulog festival, a significant cultural celebration in Cebu City that attracts large crowds and, unfortunately, criminal activities such as pickpocketing.
Police Presentation of Recovered Devices
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Col. George Ylanan, chief of the Cebu City Police Office, presented the recovered stolen smartphones to local media. The devices were seized from a cellshop located in the city's downtown area during an operation conducted the previous day, Tuesday, January 20. This presentation highlighted the police's efforts to combat theft and restore property to rightful owners.
Victim's Story: A Government Employee's Ordeal
Among the victims is a 41-year-old government employee from General Santos City, identified only as "Rudy." Rudy had traveled to Cebu City to participate in the Sinulog festival but lost his iPhone inside a local mall on Sunday afternoon, January 18, 2026. His experience sheds light on the challenges faced by victims of theft.
Rudy reported that when he approached mall security to request access to CCTV footage, his initial requests were ignored. Security personnel claimed that the cameras were non-functional, a statement that raised suspicions. However, the situation changed dramatically when Rudy identified himself as a member of a special project under the Office of the President. In Cebuano, he recounted, "If I hadn't introduced myself, I probably wouldn't have been assisted and brought to the police station to have the incident officially recorded." This incident underscores potential issues with security responsiveness in public spaces.
Recovery and Gratitude
Discouraged by the lack of immediate help, Rudy returned to General Santos City on January 20. His hope was renewed when he saw a social media post showcasing the 154 iPhones recovered by the CCPO. By identifying a distinct logo on the back of his phone, Rudy was able to claim his device. He expressed deep gratitude, stating, "The police here in Cebu are very skilled. They quickly recovered many of the stolen cellphones. I'm very thankful because they gave justice to those who lost their belongings, especially since it was a big celebration like Sinulog."
Police Efforts and Ongoing Investigations
Lt. Col. Jose Los Baños, the CCPO information officer, provided an update on the recovery efforts. As of the report, 119 of the 154 recovered phones have already been claimed by their owners, demonstrating the effectiveness of the police operation. Authorities have filed charges against two suspects who were arrested during the raid. Additionally, police are actively tracing the pickpockets responsible for selling the stolen devices near Leon Kilat Street, indicating ongoing efforts to address the root causes of such thefts.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement during large public events and the role of social media in aiding recovery efforts. It also raises questions about security protocols in malls and other crowded venues, urging improvements to better protect citizens and visitors alike.
