Members of the notorious ‘salisi’ gang stole a bag—containing cash, a mobile device, and other items—belonging to Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Erwin Garcia inside a restaurant in Pasay City.
The poll chief said the incident happened at around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, after he attended a Senate hearing concerning a bill designed to address political dynasties.
Garcia told reporters there were at least three suspects who pretended to be customers of the restaurant.
In a police report, Garcia said he was at the restaurant, waiting for his order alongside other patrons when six suspects entered, pretending to be ordinary customers.
“Seizing the opportunity, the suspects were able to take the victim’s bag, which had been left next to his chair. Moments later, the victim realized that his bag was gone,” the report said.
Garcia’s bodyguards attempted to pursue the escaping suspects but were unable to catch them.
Police said CCTV footage has revealed the identities of three suspects identified as “Romson,” “Alberto,” and “Jun.”
The video showed that the suspects escaped in a vehicle.
Staff members from the restaurant, along with Garcia’s bodyguards, confirmed the identities of the suspects as seen in the CCTV footage.
Police reports said these suspects were involved in similar ‘salisi’ incidents or acts of moving stealthily in an alternate manner to confuse someone who was being robbed. Authorities are now pursuing the suspects.
In a press statement on Wednesday, Pasay City Mayor Imelda ‘Emi’ Calixto-Rubiano said she has already instructed Pasay City Police Chief Col. Joselito Desesto to resolve the case “with utmost urgency.”
“I have given stern instructions to ensure a thorough investigation and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Pasay City Police is fully engaged in tracking down the group of ‘salisi’ responsible for victimizing Chairman Garcia, and we are working diligently to apprehend all seven individuals involved,” the mayor said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with statement from Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.
