Crime scene at cellphone shop in Taguig ransacked by robbers. Image from NCRPO / Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — Police officers detailed at the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) are now on the hunt for suspects responsible for robbing a cellphone shop in Barangay Central Bicutan, Taguig, along with a person who allegedly pretended to be a police officer to extort money from the victims.
In a statement on Thursday, NCRPO Regional Director Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. has asked police officers to resolve the incident immediately, which occurred last Tuesday night.
Initial reports from the Taguig City Police Station showed that based on the testimonies of witnesses, owners of the cellphone stand in Central Bicutan were about to close their shop when three individuals posed as customers before announcing a hold-up.
Two of the suspects were said to have pulled out a .38 caliber revolver and a .45 caliber pistol to threaten the shop owners, who were then asked to enter the comfort room. The suspects then stole the brand new cellphone units from the shop.
“Pinapamadali na po natin sa ating mga kasama ang paghahanap sa mga suspek sa nasabing insidente,” Danao said
“Sa atin pong mga kababayan, kung mayroon po kayong alam o kilala po ninyo ang mga suspek na nakuhanan ng CCTV ay manggyari pong agad na ipagbigay alam o magsumbong sa pinakamalapit na istasyon ng pulisya upang silang agarang mahuli,” he added.
According to reports, at least 43 units of assorted cellphones and smartphones were stolen, amounting to around P200,000. Cash from the store’s sales worth P13,500 and cash from a person worth P2,300 were also taken by the robbers.
The suspects, who were wearing jackets and full face helmets, escaped aboard two motorcycles, and fled to a still undisclosed location.
However, after the victims were able to report the incident to barangay officials and the Police Sub-Station 7 of the Taguig police, a male individual called the shop owner and claimed that the suspects have been caught, and were detained at Camp Bagong Diwa.
The cellphones were allegedly recovered also, according to the male who posed as a police officer. According to the victim, the poser cop asked for P3,000 as a reward for processing the release of the papers.
However, after meeting at the Hall of Justice, the person disappeared and did not make contact with them.
“Investigation is still being undertaken by the operatives. They already have a lead suspect for the said incident,” NCRPO said.
Danao for his part said that victims of crimes can contact them through the NCRPO hotlines for assistance.
“Maari din ninyo kaming itext sa NCRPO Text Hotline Numbers 0915-888-8181 para sa mga Globe subscribers at 0999-901-8181 para naman sa mga Smart subscribers,” he added.