Suspect Robs Phone & Cash of 8-Year-Old Girl in Sta. Cruz, Manila
An eight-year-old girl was robbed of her phone and cash while walking alone to buy snacks in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
According to barangay authorities, the suspect was a man riding a bicycle who followed the child as she walked along the street. CCTV footage showed the man casually approaching the girl and even handing her a small piece of cardboard, possibly to gain her trust.
After a few moments, he quietly took the child’s cellphone, which was worth around P8,000. The phone case also contained P1,000 in cash, which was taken along with the device. The girl tried to get her phone back, but the man reportedly scared her and prevented her from running away before quickly escaping.
“Hinawakan niya na po akong mahigpit sa kamay ko tapos sumunod ako tas gusto ko nga po tumakbo kaso tingin siya nang tingin sa likod. Hindi po ako makatakas,” the victim said.
The barangay’s investigation revealed that the suspect had been following the child from Oroquieta Street in Barangay 336 until they reached P. Guevarra Street in Barangay 340, where the theft happened.
“Habang naglalakad, may lalaki na lumapit at sinabing kilala ang magulang at may ipapakuha raw na plantsa. Makikita po sa CCTV na tila nilansi lang ang bata… pinalayo siya at tuluyang nakatakas ang suspek na nakabisikleta,” Kagawad Choleng Lagura said.
It appeared that the man used a simple trick to get close to the girl, even pretending that he knew her parents and asking her to get something for him.
The child’s mother decided to share the incident after noticing similarities between the suspect and a man involved in a separate attempted kidnapping case in Sta. Ana, Manila. She believed the clothing and actions looked very similar, though authorities have not confirmed if the same person was involved.
Barangay officials have already turned over the CCTV footage to the police to help with the investigation.
The authorities reminded parents to avoid letting young children walk alone and to be careful about allowing them to carry valuable items.
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