ILOILO City – Authorities recovered 30 stolen cellphones, two wallets, and shabu from a theft syndicate that preyed on revelers during the recent Dinagyang Festival.
Police Captain Ryan Christ Inot, chief of the Molo Police Station, reported that two members of the group from Tondo, Manila, have been charged with theft as of January 28.
Meanwhile, a couple believed to be the syndicate’s financiers are set to face charges today after being apprehended in a motel where the stolen items were found.
Investigators revealed that the group operated during the recent Sinulog Festival in Cebu before returning to Tondo and later traveling to Iloilo City to continue their illegal activities.
The suspects admitted to studying the city’s key areas to carry out thefts undetected.
Authorities also discovered a list of potential targets, including future festivals such as the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City, which begins on February 1.
Captain Inot confirmed that police are tracking four other syndicate members suspected to still be in Iloilo. The syndicate is notorious for targeting large festivals nationwide, exploiting crowded events to carry out their operations.
Local police units are coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents during upcoming festivals./PN
