Comelec chair robbed while eating in Pasay City restaurant
The bag of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia was stolen by six members of the “Salisi Gang” while eating in a restaurant on Tuesday afternoon, August 19, in Pasay City.
Pasay City Police Chief Col. De Sesto said that the incident happened at around 12:50 p.m. at the second floor of Singing Cooks and Waiters Atbp. Restaurant located along Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.
De Sesto said three of the suspects with records of “salisi” incidents were identified as Romson of Longos, Tabing Dagat Zapote I; Alberto, of San Nicolas 2, Zapote, Bacoor Cavite; and Jun of Talaba 3, Bacoor Cavite. The suspects remained at large, while the three remaining suspects were still unidentified.
Investigation showed that Garcia, together with his bodyguards, arrived at the restaurant to have their lunch, reportedly after attending a Senate hearing on anti-political dynasty.
De Sesto said Garcia reportedly placed his bag beside his chair upon arrival at the restaurant.
He said that while Garcia and his bodyguards were waiting for their order, six men entered the restaurant posing as customers.
The city police chief added that a few moments later, Garcia noticed that his bag was missing, containing some cash, several personal identification cards, and a cellphone.
De Sesto said that through CCTV footage recovered from the barangay, the suspects were positively identified by Arthur Perez, 43, a member of the AFP Marines and bodyguard of Garcia, and two waiters of the restaurant.
He said the CCTV footage also revealed that the suspects fled on board a silver Toyota Innova with plate number ZEF 399.
Further checks on the suspects revealed that they were previously involved in “salisi” incidents.
The police are now conducting a follow-up operation in Cavite for the arrest of the suspects.