Comelec chairman George Garcia's bag stolen in Pasay

A bag of Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia was stolen in a restaurant in Pasay City on Tuesday afternoon, according to a report of Super Radyo dzBB on Wednesday.

The incident happened at around 1 p.m. after Garcia attended a Senate hearing on an anti-political dynasty bill.

According to Garcia, there were around six suspects. 

The Comelec official’s bag contained cash, cellphone, and identification cards. However, Garcia said that there is no important information on the stolen cellphone which he rarely uses. 

Based on a police report from the Southern Police District (SPD), the incident happened in a restaurant located along Roxas Boulevard Service Road in Barangay 10 at 12:50 p.m. 

“While the victim was waiting for his order at the said restaurant together with other guests, six suspects arrived, posing as regular customers,” the police report said.

“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,” it added.

According to the police, Garcia’s bodyguards tried to chase the fleeing suspects but were unsuccessful.

After reviewing CCTV footage recovered from the barangay, the police identified three suspects as “Romson,” “Alberto,” and “Jun.” The footage showed that the suspects fled onboard a vehicle. 

Restaurant staff and the victim's bodyguards also confirmed the suspects' identities from the CCTV footage.

According to the police, the suspects were previously involved in similar “salisi” incidents.

“Subsequently, the Pasay City Police Station immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation coupled with nationwide dragnet operation for the possible arrest of the suspects.  

However, the SPD said the suspect that was arrested was identified as “Hazel.” She was nabbed along Zapote Road in Las Piñas City after she was identified via CCTV footage. 

Police said they recovered the stolen bag containing IDs and a cellphone, but there was no money found. 

As of writing, the SPD added that authorities are still tracking down the five other suspects while “Hazel” is now under the custody of the Pasay City Police for documentation and the filing of charges.

The case was referred to the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) of the Pasay City Police Station for proper disposition and further investigation. —KG/RF, GMA Integrated News