Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Sparkle star and cosplayer Myrtle Sarrosa took to social media once again to provide an update on her stolen phone.

In a Facebook post, the Kapuso actress said the device had yet to be recovered after it was allegedly stolen during ToyCon.

According to Myrtle, the person currently holding the phone claimed to have purchased it for PHP 40,000 and demanded payment before returning it.

"Pero medyo duda talaga ako kasi impossible naman na may matinong tao na bibili ng locked phone for PhP 40,000 within minutes na hinahabol namin siya. 'Yung kasama ko doon na official suggested na i-offer namin 'yung PhP 45,000 para pumayag na lang siya dahil nandoon lang talaga siya sa Ever. I waited for their next message, hoping we could come to an agreement," she wrote.

However, instead of receiving a response, Myrtle said she began receiving notifications of someone attempting to reset and access her online wallets, Instagram account, and recovery emails.

"Kaya pala he was insisting na 'bukas.' Thankfully, I was able to foresee most of what was happening. Before anything serious could happen, na-secure ko agad lahat ng accounts ko, napa-suspend ko 'yung SIM ko, at napa-freeze ko 'yung wallets and banko ko," she continued.

As of June 17, Myrtle said her phone had reportedly made its way to Greenhills.

Alongside the update, the content creator also addressed rumors surrounding her efforts to recover the device.

"Uulitin ko po sa mga taong nagkakalat ng misinformation: let's all be respectful here. I do not have anything indecent on that phone. I never have, and I never would compromise my faith, values, and principles. The only reason I offered a reward was because of all the hassle that comes with losing a phone," she explained.

"What I'm worried about are my work files, cosplay footage, gameplay recordings, business contacts, game accounts, important conversations, and years of memories. Including some of my last photos and videos with my Lola before she passed away last month. "

Myrtle also reminded the public to remain vigilant and immediately secure their devices and accounts if their phones are stolen.

"Kapag nanakaw ang phone mo, immediately mark it as Lost or lock it. One of the first things that may happen is makatanggap ka ng phishing links pretending to be your phone provider or a recovery service," she said. "DO NOT click those phishing links. The phishing website will usually tell you that in order to see your phone's location, you need to enter your phone passcode, email, and password."

She also advised users to use an eSIM or activate a SIM PIN lock, which requires a code before a SIM card can be used on another device.

The cosplayer further recommended removing the stolen device from social media and online accounts to prevent unauthorized recovery attempts and password changes.

Another piece of advice she shared was to ensure that online wallets and banking applications are protected. "They may try to access your online wallets and banking apps. Make sure naka-enable ang biometrics at two-factor authentication sa lahat ng accounts mo."

Lastly, Myrtle advised keeping a copy of a phone's IMEI number.

"If recovery becomes impossible, the IMEI can be used when coordinating with authorities and telecommunications agencies to block the device from being used on mobile networks. At the very least, magiging Wi-Fi-only device na lang siya," she shared.

Concluding her message, Myrtle reminded the public to be cautious when purchasing phones from questionable sources.

"Let's not enable robbery and theft. I know there are many honest store owners in Ever Gotesco, Greenhills, and other places who legitimately buy and sell secondhand phones. But let's also acknowledge that there are people who buy devices with very questionable origins and, in doing so, may unknowingly~ or sometimes knowingly… allow this cycle to continue," she wrote.

"Every stolen phone belongs to someone. Someone worked hard for it. Someone saved up for months or even years to buy it. Someone has memories inside it that can never be replaced.

Regardless of how cheap a locked / stolen phone is being offered, please remember that there may be a victim on the other side of that transaction."

Last June 13, Myrtle reported her phone was stolen during a ToyCon event in Pasay City. The content creator even offered a PhP 30,000 reward to anyone who could return the phone.

A day later, Myrtle shared she tracked her phone in Quezon City and ended up following the device's location through Commonwealth, Fairview, and Mindanao Avenue.

Myrtle later received a message that appeared to come from the person holding the phone, demanding money to give it back.

Take a look at these celebrities who also had their things stolen, here: