Recently released cell phone theft suspect back in jail

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged cell phone snatcher who had just been released from detention was arrested a week later for the same offense in Quezon City.

Mark Joseph Bautista, 22, a resident of Barangay Batasan Hills, was arrested and charged with stealing a cell phone four months ago.

But he was released on Sept. 23 after the complainant did not pursue the case against him, according to acting Quezon City police director, Col. Ronnie Montejo.

On Monday, Bautista was rearrested for taking a cell phone worth P7,000 from a vendor on Congressional Road.

Further investigation showed that on that same day, Bautista also stole a cell phone from another victim. Montejo called on other victims, especially near the Batasan Hills area, to go to Police Station 6 and file charges against Bautista. —Mariejo S. Ramos