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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AirTag helps NCRPO cops arrest electrician, recover P10-M worth of jewelry

AirTag helps NCRPO cops arrest electrician, recover P10-M worth of jewelry

Published Apr 8, 2025 04:24 am

airtag.jpeg

                                       photo: Apple Philippines 

He thought he hit a jackpot when he easily took two Rolex watches, assorted jewelry and even a gun from a house in Quezon City where he was hired to fix the electrical system. 

Little did this 36-year old electrician know that an Apple AirTag device was attached to one of the items he stole, resulting to his arrest in a follow-up operation conducted by operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Quezon City on Monday, April 7.

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the operation started when the 54-year old house owner sought police assistance after finding out that someone took his designer bag containing his personal valuables valued at over P10.2 million.

The same bag contains an expensive 9mm pistol, according to Aberin.

During the investigation, both the owner and the police utilized a mobile application with the use of an Apple Air Tag, a tracking device aimed at assisting owners in finding usually-misplaced personal devices and other valuable items. 

Aberin said the tracking device later pointed to a vehicle that was parked on a street in Project 8, Quezon City. 

The car was later found to be owned by the electrician that the victim hired to fix the electrical system in his house.

Police were then stationed to watch over the car and at around 9 a.m. on Monday, the suspect arrived at the scene and attempted to retrieve the vehicle. This led to his arrest.

The arrest of the suspect and the recovery of all the stolen items, according to Aberin, proved again the importance of digital technology in police investigation and operations. 

“From a single AirTag signal to a decisive operation, this case highlights NCRPO’s innovative crime-fighting approach—where technology, precision, and collaboration converge to safeguard lives, homes, and communities across the Metro,” said Aberin. 

“This is the kind of investigative competence that I expect from all police units within NCRPO-swift, coordinated and competent.  We owe it to the public that we respond to their security concerns with utmost competence and professionalism,” he added.

Aberin said the suspect is now detained and facing a case of Qualified Theft under Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code.

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