Over 150 cellphones stolen during Sinulog fest recovered

At least 154 branded cellphones were recovered by the authorities in Cebu City from a cellphone shop that allegedly buys stolen gadgets.

Persons who lost their cellphones swarmed the Cebu City Police Office on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the hope of getting their devices back.

Police personnel rounded up a cellphone shop in Leon Kilat Street after it was confirmed that the lost items were taken there.

Based on a complaint filed by a female student, she lost her IOS 15 cellphone during the Sinulog 2026 festivity.  Using a special feature of the device, she traced the location of the mobile phone in Leon Kilat Street.

The location was tracked down that led to the return of the student’s cellphone.

As of morning on January 21, a total of 50 owners claimed their cellphones.

Barangay Pahina Central Councilman Nigel Borlasa confirmed of several complaints raised at the barangay on pickpockets who targeted branded cellphones during the series of activities leading to the festivity.

Further, the authorities learned that pickpockets sold the branded cellphones at P5,000 only. 

It was learned that 95-percent of the recovered cellphones are of IOS model.

The phones were brought to the Cebu City Police Office, spread on a table for owners to identify their items.

A man who lost his cellphone worth P87,000 is all-thanks to the police for the return of his gadget.

Another victim heaved a sigh of relief upon claiming his cellphone which holds his e-wallet and the transactions of the establishment he works at.

Police Colonel George Ylanan, director (officer-in-charge capacity) of the Cebu City Police Office, said they were with lawyers from the Business Permit and Licensing Office in the operation. It was found out that the cellphone shop has been operating sans business permit and is involved in illicit activities.

Aside from charges for violation of the Anti-Fencing Law, the owner of the cellphone shop will be facing other cases based on the results of the investigation.

Further, the authorities learned that pickpockets sold the branded cellphones at P5,000 only. 

During the operations, police personnel nabbed persons involved in the modus. — GMA Regional TV