PNP urges hotels to boost security after event thief arrested

PNP Spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo—INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police (PNP) has warned hotels to stay alert and tighten their security protocols, especially when holding events or conventions, after the arrest of a man who reportedly stole from people attending hotel events.

Last October 29, the Southern Police District (SPD) reported the arrest of Michael Angelo Simbulan at a hotel along Parksquare Road, Barangay San Lorenzo in Makati for illegal possession of firearms.

READ: 4 convenience store ‘robbers’ nabbed in Pampanga

Before his arrest, police received a report on the suspect’s purported activities inside the hotel as reflected on CCTV footage. Authorities also received theft-related complaints from security and individuals in another Makati hotel.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo revealed that Simbulan has previous theft and robbery cases.

“Pinapaingat po at pinapaalerto natin ‘yung mga hotel management. Maging alerto po tayo sa mga events and convention na ginagawa at maging mapagmatiyag po,” she said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

(We are warning and reminding all hotel management to stay alert. Be alert during events and conventions.)

Fajardo said Simbulan will undergo inquest proceedings, adding that the suspect’s scheme involves attending hotel events and conventions to steal from the attendees.

Based on SPD’s report, Simbulan was arrested for robbery and malicious mischief in Olongapo City. He was also apprehended for theft in Tarlac City and Cainta, Rizal — all in 2019.