Authorities Arrest 2 Friends for Snatching College Student’s Cellphone
Two friends were arrested after allegedly snatching a cellphone from a college student in Barangay Don Manuel, Quezon City.
On Monday, October 5, 2026, two men were seen riding a motorcycle passing through the area where an 18-year-old college student was waiting for a jeepney along E. Rodriguez Boulevard.
Another camera later captured the victim walking along the road, unaware of some bystanders that his cellphone had already been taken by the suspects. The theft quickly drew attention, prompting police officers who were conducting patrol operations nearby to respond.
According to authorities, plainclothes police officers noticed a commotion ahead and immediately checked what had happened. After learning that a cellphone had just been stolen by a riding-in-tandem pair, they launched a pursuit operation.
The suspects were chased and caught within ten minutes in the Tatalon area. Their swift arrest prevented them from escaping and possibly targeting more victims.
Recovered from the two suspects were three mobile phones, including the college student’s device worth more than P10,000. Police also confiscated a firearm loaded with ammunition, two helmets, and the motorcycle believed to have been used during the crime.
Investigators later discovered that the suspects were not residents of Quezon City. One came from Manila while the other was from San Juan. During questioning, the two revealed that they had allegedly been recruited by another individual who taught them how to carry out snatching operations.
They also claimed they would receive payment whenever stolen phones, especially expensive units, were successfully sold.
The suspects, identified only as John, 28, and Jay, 18, admitted their involvement in the crime and said financial difficulties pushed them into committing the offense. Authorities also learned that John had previously been jailed in connection with illegal drugs and a carnapping case.
In a similar post, a man arrested after snatching gold necklace from motorcycle passenger in QC
The two now face theft charges, while John is also facing a separate firearms violation case. Police continue to track down the alleged recruiter and other possible members of the group.
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