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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Man posing for photo nabbed after phone tracking

Man posing for photo nabbed after phone tracking

Published Apr 26, 2026 01:34 pm
A man who pretended to take a photo to borrow a cellphone was arrested through phone tracking after taking the device in Malate, the Manila Police District said.

The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on April 23 along Remedios Street, where the suspect, identified as Sergio Bernados Agua, reportedly asked to borrow a cellphone from the victim under the pretense of taking a picture.

Instead of returning it, the suspect left with the device. 
Investigation showed that the suspect had earlier approached the victim, and asked him to build a table, even accompanying him to buy materials before the incident. 
Using a tracking feature, the victim was able to locate the phone at a mall in Quezon City, where a security guard helped apprehend the suspect and recover the device.

Responding officers from the Masambong Police Station brought the parties to a police station in Quezon City before the case was referred to the MPD Ermita Police Station for proper jurisdiction.

The recovered cellphone, including its SIM card, was turned over as evidence.

Police said a complaint for violation of Article 308 (theft) of the Revised Penal Code is being prepared against the suspect, who is set to undergo inquest proceedings before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.

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