Pasay gov't to investigate theft of COMELEC Chairman George Garcia's belongings
The Pasay City local government has launched a full-scale investigation into a recent theft incident victimizing Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia.
Pasay City Mayor Imelda "Emi" Calixto-Rubiano said in a statement that she has given "stern instructions to ensure a thorough investigation" and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
"Upon receiving reports of the unfortunate incident involving COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, I immediately instructed P/Col. Joselito Desesto, Chief of Police of the Pasay City Police Station, addressed this matter with utmost urgency yesterday," Calixto-Rubiano said.
"I have given stern instructions to ensure a thorough investigation and to bring the perpetrators to justice," she added, highlighting that the city police "fully engaged in tracking down the group of 'salisi' responsible for victimizing Chairman Garcia"
"We are working diligently to apprehend all seven individuals involved," she noted.
According to a report by Super Radyo dzBB, around six suspects were involved in the incident of robbing his bag that contained an undetermined amount of cash, a cellphone, and several personal identification cards. As per Garcia, there is no important information on the stolen cellphone, which he rarely uses.
Meanwhile, in a report by the Southern Police District obtained by PhilSTAR L!fe, it said that the incident happened in a restaurant located along Roxas Boulevard Service Road in Barangay 10 at 12:50 p.m.
It took place when six suspects arrived, posing as regular customers while Garcia was waiting for his order at a restaurant, together with other guests.
"Taking advantage of the situation, the suspects managed to steal the victim's bag, which was placed beside his chair. A few moments later, the victim discovered that his bag was missing," police said.
Despite Garcia's bodyguards giving chase, they were unable to catch the suspects.
Police, after reviewing CCTV footage from the area, identified three suspects by their aliases: "Romson," "Alberto," and "Jun." The video showed the three men escaping in a vehicle. Both the restaurant staff and Garcia's bodyguards confirmed the identities of the suspects from the footage.
Authorities also noted that the suspects have a history of involvement in similar "salisi" theft incidents.
Ultimately, the Pasay City Police Station immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation coupled with a nationwide Dragnet Operation for the possible arrest of the suspects. As of this writing, the operation is still ongoing.
The case has been handed over to the Investigation and Detective Management Section of the city's police station for further investigation.
