BAGUIO CITY — Thieves don’t discriminate. Give them a few seconds of distraction, and they’ll take whatever they can.

That’s exactly what happened to a Baguio City councilor Friday night, who lost cash, gadgets, and IDs to a six-person group in a restaurant along Upper Session Road. The official, who asked not to be named, has called on police to track down the suspects.

Police said the incident occurred around 7:35 p.m., while the councilor was dining with family. Two men and four women entered the restaurant, asked about available tables, and lingered near the occupied seats — behavior typical of distraction thieves trying to blend in.

As the councilor focused on serving food to relatives, one woman slipped close to the victim’s chair and snatched a white sling bag that had been left unattended. CCTV footage and witness reports show her exiting the restaurant, followed by the rest of the group, all leaving calmly as if nothing had happened. They then got into a getaway van and drove off.

The stolen bag reportedly contained P20,000 in cash, a government-issued smartphone valued at P28,000, a senior citizen ID, multiple credit and ATM cards, and a SIM card — all items that could be misused for spending or identity fraud.

The Baguio City Police Office is now reviewing CCTV from the restaurant and nearby establishments to identify the suspects and trace their escape route. Authorities reminded the public that “salisi” thieves often exploit even brief lapses in attention inside shops and restaurants, and urged diners to stay vigilant.