Elderly Woman and Two Grandchildren Lose Over P1 Million in Valuables to “Birthday Cake Modus”
An elderly woman and her two grandchildren became victims of a well-planned robbery known as the birthday cake modus.
On April 7, 2026, a 69-year-old grandmother and her family were left shaken after losing more than one million pesos worth of valuables to the scheme. The incident happened in Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City.
According to the victims’ account to the police, the scheme began when two women rang their doorbell while carrying a birthday cake. They claimed the cake came from the local government and said there was also a gift for the family.
“Nagtataka rin ‘yung mga apo niya kung bakit napapasok ng lola ‘yung dalawang babae. Siguro sa tagal na nilang ginagawa ito, magaling na rin sila makipag-usap. Binantaan sila, babarilin sila, papatayin sila,” QCPD Station 4 chief Lt. Col. Dave Anthony Capurcos said.
Because of their convincing approach, the grandmother trusted them and allowed them inside the house.
After a few moments, four male accomplices suddenly rushed in after the two women gained entry. The victims were tied up and threatened, leaving them helpless inside their own home. The suspects took control of the house and carried out their plan without interruption.
For nearly two hours, the group searched every corner of the house. They even took time to eat before leaving. By the time they escaped, they had taken a red family car, two motorcycles, and a large amount of cash along with other valuables.
Police later discovered that the suspects used a rented white multi-purpose vehicle as their getaway car. After returning it, they reportedly switched to another vehicle in an attempt to avoid being traced.
However, authorities were able to track them through GPS and CCTV footage. The vehicle was eventually intercepted in the Litex area along Commonwealth Avenue. A 37-year-old driver was arrested, and some of the stolen items along with an unlicensed firearm were recovered.
In another post, a parked truck loses fuel to ‘sipsip-diesel’ modus in Fairview, Quezon City
The suspect claimed he was only invited to drive and was unaware of the group’s plan. Charges for robbery, carnapping, and illegal possession of firearms have been filed, while efforts continue to locate the remaining suspects.
Police also reminded the public, especially senior citizens, to stay alert and avoid letting strangers into their homes, even if they appear friendly or bring gifts.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
