COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia was the victim of a theft in a Pasay City restaurant on Tuesday afternoon.
According to a report from Super Radyo dzBB, Garcia’s bag was stolen while he was at a restaurant along Roxas Boulevard Service Road in Barangay 10 around 12:50 p.m. The incident occurred after Garcia attended a Senate hearing on an anti-political dynasty bill. Garcia stated that there were approximately six suspects involved.
The stolen bag contained cash, a cellphone, and identification cards. Garcia noted that the stolen cellphone was not frequently used and did not contain any sensitive information.
According to a police report from the Southern Police District (SPD), the suspects entered the restaurant posing as regular customers. T
aking advantage of the situation, they managed to steal Garcia’s bag, which was placed beside his chair. Garcia’s bodyguards attempted to pursue the suspects but were unsuccessful.
Police reviewed CCTV footage and identified three suspects as “Romson,” “Alberto,” and “Jun,” who fled in a vehicle. Restaurant staff and Garcia’s bodyguards confirmed the suspects’ identities from the footage.
Police indicated that the suspects were previously involved in similar “salisi” (theft) incidents. The Pasay City Police Station is currently conducting a hot pursuit operation and a nationwide dragnet operation to apprehend the suspects. The case has been referred to the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) of the Pasay City Police Station for further investigation.
