MANILA – Police have arrested two men accused of wallet snatching in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, an incident that went viral on social media recently, according to a report by authorities.
The snatching occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Monday at the corner of 11th Avenue and 40th Street. Dashcam footage showed the victim getting into the car when he leaned over to talk to the driver, unaware that two suspects were approaching. Moments later, the suspects allegedly grabbed the victim's wallet from his backpack and quickly fled. The video went viral on social media, prompting the Taguig police to launch a manhunt.
According to the Taguig City Police, the suspects were caught two days later during a foot patrol in Barangay Fort Bonifacio. The men were caught around 1 p.m. while allegedly gambling. Police also confiscated gambling paraphernalia and betting money, as well as one sachet each of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of over ₱21,000.
Police Captain Jowel Golimlim, Public Information Officer of the Taguig Police, said that one of the arrested suspects was positively identified in the viral wallet-snatching video. "It is positive, our police officer who arrested him recognized the face of one of the suspects," he added.
Police coordination with the victim is ongoing as the investigation continues. The suspects underwent medical examinations and are currently in police custody. They will face charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 (Illegal Gambling) and Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
