Cebu City Construction Site Thief Captured After Failed Escape Attempt

Cebu City Construction Site Thief Captured After Failed Escape Attempt

A suspected thief was apprehended in Cebu City after a dramatic incident at a construction site on M. Velez Street in Barangay Guadalupe. The arrest occurred at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, when the suspect, identified as alias Mon, 28, a resident of Unit 1, Carbon, Barangay Ermita, was caught following a failed escape attempt.

Details of the Arrest

According to Police Chief Master Sgt. Roque Carmelotes Jr., an investigator at the Guadalupe Police Station, the suspect and his group were disturbed by construction workers at the site. While four of his companions managed to flee from the ground floor, Mon became trapped on the third floor of the building. Fearing a jump, he was unable to escape and was subsequently captured by the workers.

The suspect was then handed over to Clifford Lauro, the safety officer at the construction site, before being turned over to the police. He is currently detained at the Guadalupe Police Station, facing charges of trespassing and potential additional theft cases.

Previous Incidents and Police Investigation

Police revealed that this was the second time Mon's group had targeted the same construction site. In the previous week, several expensive tools had gone missing from the location, leading authorities to believe the group returned to steal again.

PCMS Carmelotes further disclosed that the group has other victims across the city. "They operate during the day, surveilling their targets. When they see an opportunity, they attack immediately, even in broad daylight," he added.

Call for Additional Complaints

The police are now urging other potential victims of the group to come forward and file additional complaints at the Guadalupe Police Station. This appeal aims to strengthen the case against the suspects and prevent further criminal activities in the area.

The incident highlights ongoing security concerns at construction sites in Cebu City and underscores the importance of vigilance among workers and residents.