‘Basag-kotse’ suspect nabbed

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office has arrested a suspect in a series of “basag-kotse” incidents that victimized at least six just for this year alone.

Police Lt. Colonel Ryan Devaras, deputy director for operations of CCPO, identified the suspect as Allan Perales, 39, who was arrested in Sitio Caimito, Barangay Basak-San Nicolas, Cebu City on Sunday, April 17.

"This individual was the suspect of the series of basag-kotse incidents within Cebu City and also in Mandaue," said Devaras.

According to Devaras, the suspect was first arrested for the violation of the election gun ban for possession of firearms and illegal drugs.

He added the suspect has been filed with charges for basag-kotse related incidents. He was arrested after he was caught on CCTV footage and was positively identified by the victim.

"But nawala na ni, then karon na pud mibalik that's why ato jud ning gipanghingusgan, we really let our intel operatives to look into this person, good thing we were able to arrest him," said Devaras.

During his arrest, authorities were able to recover various bags, wallets that might belong to his victims.

Devaras appealed to other victims to report it to the nearest police station for them to file additional charges against Perales.

"Naa na ni syay previous cases…per data namo, sa blotter, we have five or six incidents diri sa Cebu City, and we don't know kung pila pay nabiktima sa other cities, it's just previously," said Devaras.

Even though Perales hasn't mentioned any cohorts who might have been operating with him, Devaras said they believed that he still has other members who helped him in executing these crimes.

"Probably nipahuway lang ni siya and then karon nibalik na sad sa ilang usual nga activities," said Devaras.

In line with this, Devaras reminded the public to be cautious enough in parking their cars in public spaces. — GMR (FREEMAN)