Police vigilance cut short a series of deceptive and disruptive acts after a 35-year-old Palestinian male, a refugee with no known permanent address, was arrested in Mandaluyong City for theft and related offenses, uncovering his involvement in multiple crimes across Metro Manila.

On the night of February 6, 2026, operatives of the Anti-Carnapping Section of the Regional Intelligence Division were conducting surveillance near Crossroads Hostel along Mariveles Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City, when they heard the hostel owner shouting while pointing at a man fleeing the premises. The complainant immediately informed officers that the suspect had unlawfully entered the hostel and taken P5,000 in cash.

With the incident personally observed and clearly established, police officers identified themselves and immediately pursued the suspect. The hot pursuit ended at around 10:15 a.m. along Sierra Madre Street, where the 35-year-old Palestinian was arrested and positively identified by the complainant.

A protective search conducted following the arrest led to the recovery of a bladed weapon in the suspect’s possession. During processing, the suspect attempted to escape and resisted arrest, prompting officers to restrain him using necessary and lawful measures.

Investigators later confirmed that earlier on the same day, the same individual had caused a disturbance to an InDrive driver by deliberately delaying and refusing payment for a booked trip, resulting in undue inconvenience and mental stress. This incident supported the filing of an unjust vexation charge.

Further records checks disclosed a troubling pattern of repeat offenses. In October 2025, the suspect was arrested in Quezon City for estafa, disobedience to persons in authority, unjust vexation, and concealing his true identity after refusing to pay a taxi fare and acting aggressively toward responding police. In January 2026, he was implicated in a theft incident in Bonifacio Global City involving electronic devices and cash tips valued at approximately P50,000, as well as a separate theft case in Malate, Manila involving multiple personal belongings. Police records also indicate that the suspect had been known in the Ermita area for years due to frequent loitering and alleged theft incidents.

Philippine National Police Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that repeat criminal behavior will not be tolerated.

“We will not allow individuals to repeatedly disturb the peace and take advantage of ordinary citizens,” he said. “Ang bawat gumagawa ng krimen ay mananagot, at ipatutupad ng pulisya ang hustisya.”

He further highlighted the role of police presence in preventing escalation:

“This arrest underscores the role of immediate police intervention in stopping crimes from escalating. Kapag may banta sa kaayusan, naroon ang pulis para umaksyon ayon sa batas.”

The PNP Chief said the successful operation reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, a strategic framework of transformation aimed at strengthening police service delivery. In this case, the priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations was demonstrated through real-time response, lawful arrest, and sustained investigation connecting the suspect to multiple offenses.

The foreign national is now facing charges for theft, resistance to a person in authority, unjust vexation, and illegal possession of a bladed weapon, as authorities move forward with case filing and prosecution.