Quezon City Police District (QCPD) operatives arrested two persons with disabilities (PWDs) after they allegedly stole a cellphone from a construction worker in Barangay Commonwealth on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
The QCPD Batasan Station (PS 6) identified the suspects as Adrian Buenviaje, 29, of Barangay Payatas, Quezon City; and Cristopher Balmores, 35, of Caloocan City.
Both suspects are mute and deaf, according to the PS 6.
Police said that at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, the victim, Denver Vijuan, 40, of Barangay Commonwealth, was approached by the motorcycle-riding suspects on Peacock Street in the said barangay. At knife point, the duo took his cellphone worth P7,000.
The victim was able to immediately ask for help from police officers who responded to the area and arrested the suspects.
During police questioning, the PS 6 confirmed that the suspects are PWDs after they asked for the help of a sign language interpreter.
The QCPD said that the interpreter who helped them is the sign language teacher of the suspects.
Authorities recovered the victim’s cellphone, a kitchen knife, and the suspects’ motorcycle.
Buenviaje and Balmores were charged with robbery, police said.