GPS Technology Leads Cebu Police to Major Stolen iPhone Cache in City Raid
In a significant crackdown on mobile phone theft, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) executed a targeted raid on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, resulting in the seizure of more than 100 cellular phones, predominantly high-end iPhone models believed to be stolen. The operation, spearheaded by CCPO Chief Colonel George Ylanan, unfolded at a cellphone repair shop located on Leon Kilat Street in Barangay Pahina Central, Cebu City, following precise GPS tracking that pinpointed the location as a hub for illicit activities.
Coordinated Police Action Uncovers Hidden Stash
Acting on intelligence gathered from four complainants who had their iPhones stolen, authorities utilized Global Positioning System (GPS) data to trace the devices to the suspect establishment. At approximately 2:30 PM, a raiding team comprising personnel from the City Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) and Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) units stormed the premises. During the search, police discovered a concealed staircase leading to second-floor rooms, where they found three bags filled with valuable cellphones, many of which were identified as iPhones.
One suspect was apprehended at the scene after attempting to flee, highlighting the swift response of law enforcement. Colonel Ylanan emphasized that the shop, while ostensibly offering repair services, was allegedly involved in purchasing stolen phones, specifically targeting iPhones. "In our long investigation, we informed them we would inspect their establishment and the rooms on the second floor, and there we recovered the cellphones," Ylanan stated, underscoring the methodical approach taken in the operation.
Victim Testimonies and GPS Evidence Strengthen Case
The raid was bolstered by firsthand accounts from victims, including a university nursing student identified as alias Marie. Her iPhone was stolen on the evening of Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Baseline Barangay Kamputhaw. Using a phone finder application, she tracked her device initially to Oslob before it returned to Cebu City and settled on Leon Kilat Street. "I have 'Find Me' on my iPad, so I was able to trace it easily. I had doubts about the location, but it was right here," Marie recounted, expressing relief as she positively identified her phone among the recovered evidence.
This incident sheds light on a broader pattern of thefts, with Ylanan suspecting that the recovered phones were not solely linked to the recent Sinulog Grand Parade on January 18, 2026, but may have been accumulated over several months. The police have urged other victims of cellphone theft in the city to visit the CCPO office and file affidavits to support legal cases against the suspects.
The successful operation demonstrates the critical role of technology in modern law enforcement, as GPS tracking enabled authorities to dismantle what appears to be a systematic operation for fencing stolen goods. With over a hundred iPhones now in police custody, this raid marks a significant step in curbing mobile theft and enhancing public safety in Cebu City.
