ILOILO – Police arrested a 30-year-old man early Friday morning, June 27, just hours after he allegedly swindled a store owner in Barangay Pandac, Pavia town.
The suspect, known only by the alias “Leo,” was caught around 6:30 a.m. in the same barangay. He is a resident of Barangay Sarawag, Janiuay, Iloilo.
According to Pavia police, the victim identified as alias “Malou,” 37, reported the incident to their station late Thursday night, June 26. She told police that a man came to her store around 10:45 p.m. and made a GCash cash-in transaction via QR code for P4,000. After the transaction was completed, the man immediately left on his motorcycle without handing over any payment.
When Malou realized she was swindled, the suspect had already fled.
Responding quickly, the Pavia Municipal Police Station launched an investigation and was able to identify and locate the suspect in less than eight hours. He was arrested in a hot pursuit operation led by Pavia police chief Major Nemias Pamplona.
Authorities said the suspect has a record of similar offenses using the same tactic.
The suspect is now in police custody and is expected to face swindling charges. His motorcycle, allegedly used in the commission of the crime, was also seized.
While Iloilo Police Provincial Office Officer-in-Charge Colonel Roland Bulalacao commended the swift police action, he also warned others against attempting similar crimes.
“This should serve as a warning,” he said. “We will not tolerate these acts, and we will act swiftly to hold offenders accountable.”/PN
