MANILA – Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia became the latest target of a “salisi” group. His bag was stolen inside a restaurant along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City on Tuesday afternoon.
The theft took place shortly after Garcia had attended a Senate hearing on the anti-political dynasty bill. Police said the incident occurred around 12:50 p.m. while the Comelec chair was waiting for his order with other diners.
“While the victim was waiting for his order at the said restaurant together with other guests, six suspects arrived, posing as regular customers,” a police report from the Southern Police District (SPD) stated.
“Taking advantage of the situation, the suspects managed to steal the victim’s bag, which was placed beside his chair. A few moments later, the victim discovered that his bag was missing,” the report added.
Garcia confirmed that about six individuals were involved. His bag contained cash, identification cards, and a mobile phone. He clarified, however, that the stolen phone held no sensitive data.
“There is no important information on the stolen cellphone which I rarely use,” Garcia said.
The Comelec chair’s security aides attempted to pursue the suspects but were unable to catch them.
CCTV footage from the area later revealed that three of the culprits — identified only as “Romson,” “Alberto,” and “Jun” — escaped aboard a getaway vehicle. Restaurant employees and Garcia’s bodyguards corroborated the suspects’ identities through the video.
Authorities disclosed that the men are linked to previous “salisi” operations. The Pasay City Police have launched a hot pursuit and nationwide dragnet operation in hopes of tracking them down.
The case has been turned over to the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) of the Pasay police for further probe./PN
