‘Salisi’ gang hits Baguio family

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Police Office is investigating a suspected “salisi” or distraction theft in which a Baguio City citizen was victimized at a restaurant along Upper Session Road on Friday night.

Police said the councilor, who requested anonymity, was dining with family at around 7:35 p.m. when a group of six suspects — two men and four women — entered the establishment and asked about table availability.

Investigators said that while the councilor was distracted serving food to family members, one of the female suspects approached his seat and took a white sling bag that had been left unattended. Surveillance footage and witness accounts showed the woman immediately leaving the restaurant, followed by the rest of the group.

The suspects reportedly fled the area aboard a getaway van.

The victim told police that the stolen bag contained P20,000 in cash, a government-issued smartphone worth about P28,000, a senior citizen ID, credit cards, ATM cards, and a SIM card.

Authorities are reviewing closed-circuit television footage to identify the suspects and the vehicle used in the escape. A police manhunt has been requested.