Public warned about noted pickpockets from Cagayan

CEBU, Philippines - Police yesterday warned the public of a criminal group from Cagayan de Oro City whose members are out to victimize mall shoppers.

The Theft and Robbery Section (TRS) of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) issued the warning following the arrest of one of the group’s members. Ferdinand Santiago, 39, temporary resident of A. Lopez St., Barangay Calamba, revealed his group’s modus operandi during investigation after his arrest last Monday.

Santiago was arrested during a follow-up operation after victimizing Rhea Joy Rojas, 28, an Overseas Filipino Worker and resident of Jagobiao, Mandaue City.

Rojas lost P50,000 cash and SGD 300 (Singapore dollars) to the group of Santiago while shopping at a mall in Barangay Mabolo.

Rojas said one of the suspects bumped her as she was about to enter the bookstore inside the mall while the two other suspects managed to get the money from inside her bag. Santiago reportedly admitted that his two other companions are his wife, Ruth, and a certain Jocelyn.

Santiago was identified by the victim through the video footage taken from the mall’s CCTV camera.

The police started hunting the suspects until Santiago was arrested last Monday evening. The police however failed to recover the money because it was in the possession  of the two other suspects.

TRS chief, Sr. Insp. William Alicaba, said that Santiago had been arrested last April 16 for stealing inside the mall but was released because the victim did not file a complaint.

The TRS found out that the Santiago couple has pending warrant of arrest for theft in Cavite and was noted thieves in Cagayan de Oro.

Santiago admitted having jailed for six months in Cavite also for theft but was released from jail. — (FREEMAN)