CCTV footage shows the two suspects at the workers’ barracks. (Photo courtesy of QCPD Station 14)
Two men, including a 16-year-old, were arrested after allegedly stealing three cellphones from sleeping construction workers in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, early Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Police said CCTV footage showed the suspects scaling the wall of a building along Capas Road corner AFP Road at around 4 a.m. before going to the rooftop where the workers’ barracks were located.
The 20-year-old suspect allegedly entered the barracks and took the three cellphones while the 16-year-old Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL) reportedly acted as lookout.
The theft was discovered around 4:30 a.m. when one of the workers woke up and found his cellphone missing, with only its charger left.
He woke his two companions, who also discovered that their cellphones had been taken.
The victims sought help from their construction site supervisor, who reviewed the CCTV footage and recognized the adult suspect through a tattoo on his neck.
Holy Spirit Police Station commander Police Lt. Col. Wilfredo Fabros Jr. said police and barangay officials went to the suspect’s residence on Aug. 11, after the supervisor identified him as his neighbor.
Police said the adult suspect identified the location of his 16-year-old companion, leading to the arrest of both suspects.
The three cellphones, with a combined estimated value of P25,000, were not recovered.
The 20-year-old suspect reportedly admitted that the stolen cellphones had been sold and said he needed money for food.
Police database verification showed that the adult suspect had a previous record involving an alleged violation of the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016 in Laguna in January 2025.
The adult suspect was placed under police custody for inquest proceedings before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, while the CICL was referred to social welfare authorities for intervention and proper disposition.
Both suspects are facing robbery charges.