By Terence L. Ranis
Two cellphone snatchers were arrested in a police operation in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday, March 15.
Police Lt. Col. John Guiagui, chief of Manila Police District (MPD) Sta. Cruz Station, identified the suspects as Valentin Tuli, 27, a resident of Tenajeros Street, Malabon, and Ritchie Martinez, 20, a resident of Sampaloc, Manila.
Authorities said the operation was conducted based on the complaint of a 15-year-old Grade 9 student, a resident of Taytay, Rizal.
Based on the police report, the victim was waiting for a ride on C. M. Recto Avenue near Evangelista Street at around 1:30 p.m. when the suspects walked beside him and snatched his mobile phone worth P15,000.
The victim sought assistance from patrolling officers of Plaza Miranda Police Community Precinct (PCP).
The cops immediately conducted a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of the two suspects.
The suspects are currently under the custody of Central Market Police Station 3 and will be charged with theft in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Child Abuse Law).