A suspect believed to be part of a motorcycle-riding theft duo targeting students in the Sampaloc area has been arrested, according to Manila Police District (MPD) Station 4.

The suspect was identified as Stanley Kevin Hereza, described as a member of the “Commando Gang.” Police are still searching for the second suspect, identified as James Luis Loyola, also a resident of Tondo.

The arrest followed a reported theft incident involving Gwen O’Neil Villamor, a student residing at Sampaloc.

Villamor reported that while walking along Dos Castillas Street, two men on a motorcycle snatched his cellphone and fled toward Piy Margal Street.

The victim immediately reported the incident to Barangay 479 officials, who were unable to locate the suspects. The officials then alerted patrolling officers which initiated backtracking and follow-up operations and led to the arrest of Liwanag.

During the arrest, police recovered several items, including an improvised firearm marked by PMSg Bart Emutan with the initials SKH on the barrel, frame, and trigger; one live round of .38 SPL ammunition, also marked SKH1 by PMSg Emutan; a gray iPhone 12 Pro 128GB (serial number G6EDNK280D91, IMEI 356693117071680, SIM number 09260485962) marked SKH2 and valued at P63,000; and a white Honda PCX motorcycle (MV File number 1303-2674578), marked SKH3.

It also included a white T-shirt with a floral design, marked SKH4; blue shorts with orange linings, marked SKH5; and a black half-faced helmet, marked SKH6. All recovered items were dated 12 February 2025.

Liwanag is currently in police custody while a manhunt operation is underway for Loyola. Charges for theft and violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013, in relation to the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, will be filed against the suspects at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.

Police investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in other reported thefts in the area.

Authorities are also working to determine if the recovered improvised firearm is connected to other crimes.