Men disguised as cops break into Talisay cafe

CEBU, Philippines — Seven armed men who allegedly posed as police officers raided an internet café in Barangay Linao, Talisay City, Cebu on Friday afternoon, May 22, taking cellphones and other personal belongings from customers.

The suspects, all wearing helmets and face coverings, entered the establishment and immediately pointed firearms at the customers, according to reports.

Victims were allegedly forced to sit in a line with their hands raised while the suspects systematically took their cellphones and valuables.

A female customer was also allegedly humiliated during the incident, while several male customers were reportedly stripped by the suspects.

The armed men likewise targeted the café’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) system after spotting the surveillance equipment.

According to reports, some of the victims were briefly taken by the suspects but were later released before the group fled the area.

Based on an interview aired on One Balita Bai, internet café owner Myrna Anonat said the suspects introduced themselves as police officers upon entering the establishment.

Anonat said they initially trusted the armed men because they claimed to be law enforcers. She later questioned why the suspects wore masks and destroyed the CCTV system if the operation had been legitimate.

She also disclosed that the suspects allegedly conducted what appeared to be a raid and inspected the customers for possible illegal drugs, although no contraband was reportedly recovered.

According to Anonat, seven customers were taken by the suspects but were later released.

She further said that a day after the incident, police officers from Talisay City arrived in the area to conduct an investigation.

Days later, another group of men in civilian clothes visited the establishment and allegedly identified themselves as police officers. They reportedly offered money to cover the damages, including the destroyed CCTV system. The group allegedly claimed they were from the province.

Due to the incident, Anonat said their livelihood has been severely affected as customers have stopped going to the internet café out of fear.

Local officials in Talisay City said they would not allow the incident to go unresolved and vowed to seek justice for the victims.

Councilor Danny Caballero, chairman of the Peace and Order Committee of the Talisay City Council, said those responsible must be held accountable, whether they are police officers or civilians.

“Yung pangyayaring yun, ikinalulungkot po namin sa Talisay City government. Sana mabigyan ng hustisya ang mga gumawa noon. Kung pulis o sibilyan ka man, dapat managot sila sa hustisya dahil hindi maganda ang ginawa nila,” Caballero said.

Talisay City Police have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but said they are conducting an investigation into allegations that police officers were involved.

Authorities also clarified that no police operation was conducted in the area on the date of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest the suspects involved. — /MRM (FREEMAN)