Cellphone Thief Victimizes Student and E-Trike Driver After Skipping Fare on E-Trike Ride
Grade 12 student and an e-trike driver became victims of the same suspect in a series of incidents that took place in Barangay 35, Maypajo, Caloocan City.
On the morning of June 7, 2026, the suspect first approached a student who was using a cellphone while walking. CCTV footage reviewed by barangay authorities showed the suspect walking alongside the victim before leading the student into a school compound.
The suspect reportedly asked to borrow the cellphone, saying that he only needed it briefly to take a photo. Trusting the man, the student handed over the device. A few moments later, the suspect left the area with the phone and eventually returned, claiming that he had left the gadget with a teacher.
The student tried to look for the supposed teacher, but the suspect used the opportunity to escape with the cellphone. By the time the victim realized what had happened, the man was already gone.
The student immediately sought help from barangay officials. As authorities reviewed more CCTV footage, they discovered that the suspect had flagged a passenger e-trike to leave the area after the theft.
However, the e-trike driver also ended up becoming a victim. Based on information gathered by the barangay, the suspect got off along C3 Road and promised to return to pay his fare. Instead, he walked away and never came back, leaving the driver unpaid.
Authorities described the incident as a case where two different victims were deceived by the same person within a short period of time.
Investigators later tracked the stolen cellphone to the Sta. Cruz area in Manila, but efforts to locate the device and the suspect were unsuccessful.
Barangay officials believe the suspect may have entered the area specifically to target students, especially during the back-to-school season. They are reminding parents and students to be extra careful when carrying gadgets in public places and to avoid lending valuable items to strangers.
Police are continuing their follow-up operations to identify and arrest the suspect.
In another post, a thief makes sign of the cross before robbery in Cainta
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