5 ‘Pahiyas’ tourists lose valuables to pickpockets

LUCENA CITY – At least five persons fell victim to pickpockets during the “Pahiyas” festival in Lucban town in Quezon province on Tuesday.

A report from the Quezon police headquarters said the victims lost mobile phones, cash, jewelry and assorted personal belongings to thieves despite the presence of policemen and barangay tanods in strategic areas around the poblacion.

Most of the victims lost their belongings during the festival parade, religious procession and while they were busy admiring the decorations of houses.

Earlier, Chief Insp. Bonna Obmerga, Lucban police chief, advised the town visitors to avoid the display of valuables.

“They only serve as magnets to attract the attention of criminal elements in their midst,” Obmerga said.

Last year, police reported that more than 20 tourists also fell victims to thieves during the height of the festival celebration.

The number could be more as some of the victims did not bother to report the incidents to the police.