The Quezon City Police District on Wednesday reported the arrest of a suspect for possession of a stolen cellphone in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City.

Police said personnel from Kamuning Police Station 10 apprehended the suspect, identified only as alias “Francis,” at around 10:35 p.m. on 26 January.

According to the police report, the victim was walking near the Quezon Avenue footbridge when she felt someone touch her bag. She later noticed three individuals walking away and saw one suspect hand an item to a companion, who concealed it in his pocket.

The victim approached the group to retrieve her phone, believing it to be hers, but the suspect denied possessing it.

At the time, officers from Police Station 10 were conducting follow-up operations in the area and noticed the commotion. Authorities said officers approached the suspect, who initially presented one cellphone and claimed it was his own. Police, however, noticed another object visibly bulging in his pocket.

“When asked to surrender it, the victim immediately identified it as her stolen phone, leading to the suspect’s prompt arrest,” the QCPD said.

Police recovered several items from the suspect, including a black Redmi A5 cellphone, a blue Realme cellphone with rubber casing, a white BAVIN wired headset, a black balaclava, and a blue Nike sling bag.

Authorities also said the suspect has a history of multiple offenses, including theft cases in March 2020, February 2021, and September 2022; violations of Presidential Decree 1602 in January 2020, January 2022, and July 2022; and a violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 6 involving a bladed weapon in October 2021.

The suspect will be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1612, or the Anti-Fencing Law, before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

QCPD Acting District Director Randy Glenn Silvio urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing the police’s commitment to arresting repeat offenders.

“The QCPD remains committed in protecting our communities by taking swift action against repeat offenders. We urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities to authorities or by calling E911 or QC Helpline 122 for quick police response,” Silvio said.