A MAN suspected of stealing the handbag of a Chinese national at a restaurant in Dumaguete City on August 23 was arrested after civilians caught up with him and mauled him.
Going by several names, the suspect was already booked and arrested in Dumaguete in 2014. The name he used then was Alfred Mataya Culani, allegedly from Davao City. He was able to post bail.
An initial police investigation revealed that the suspect took the handbag of one of 10 Chinese nationals having lunch at a restaurant along Flores Avenue.
Another man, believed to be an accomplice of the suspect, appeared to have caused some distraction, giving “Culani” the opportunity to grab the handbag, said Superintendent Jonathan Pineda, Dumaguete police chief.
The woman, however, quickly noticed that her bag was missing and screamed, prompting the suspects to flee, Pineda said.
Waiters, security guards and civilians caught up with “Culani” and mauled him, just before responding policemen arrived at the scene.
At the police station, the Chinese individuals pointed to "Culani" as the one who stole the bag, Pineda said.
The city police chief believes that there are now other members of “Salisi Gang” in Dumaguete City who are taking advantage of the bloated population due to the 117th Founders’ Day celebration of Silliman University.
“Hindi siya mag-isa kasi pag ganun, ang salisi ay libangin ka, kunin yung attention mo tapos sa blind side nimo doon kukunin ang valuables mo (he’s not alone because the 'Salisi' modus involves one getting your attention while on your blind side, another will take your valuables),” Pineda said.
"Culani," who has few other aliases, has a warrant for his arrest, said Pineda, based on verification of the police’s database.
At the time of his arrest, the man had no credentials or any identification on him except a knife and a small pouch, which Pineda said had contained suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride).
Pineda appealed to business establishments to be on the lookout for suspicious-looking persons, such as those just hanging out in restaurants without making any orders. He also urged the public to be extra-vigilant with their personal belongings. (PNA)