GPS in victim’s iPad helped cops track robbery suspects

Apple iPad. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Thanks to a global positioning system installed in a victim’s Apple iPad, two robbers were collared after pulling a heist at a farmer’s house in Quezon City, on Wednesday.

The tracking mechanism of the GPS led to the downfall of Raymond Reyes and Joel David, both residents of Barangay (village) Balingasa and alleged members of the Cuya robbery gang, which has been tagged in several break-ins this year.

Ruben Dizon, 42, learned of the suspects’ location following the break in at his house in Barangay Laging Handa on Wednesday morning.

Reyes is confined at the MCU Hospital in Caloocan City after he was injured in a shootout with pursuing lawmen.

Chief Superintendent Richard Albano, Quezon City Police District director, said the gang’s leader, Jonathan Cuya, 23, managed to escape following the break-in at Dizon’s house at around 10:55 a.m.

“The iPad is instrumental in the immediate arrest of the suspects,” Albano added.

Dizon, a sugar cane planter, said at least five armed men barged into his house and hogtied three of his household members, including a seven year old boy.

Cuya was identified as one of the armed men who carried out the heist, along with Reyes and David.

The suspects carted away cash, jewelry, and other valuables including Dizon’s iPad, a laptop and a Samsung cellphone all kept inside a vault.

Police Officer 3 Erickson Isidro, case investigator, said the suspects escaped aboard two motorcycles, after which the hogtied victims managed to free themselves and seek help from the Kamuning police station.

Later in the day, Dizon tracked his iPad to Sto. Cristo Street in Barangay Balingasa.

A composite team of different QCPD units conducted follow up operations in the area, where they saw the armed suspects who engaged in a firefight with them.

Reyes was shot in the back during the shootout and yielded a loaded submachine gun, while David was arrested on the same street.

Dizon’s belongings, like his laptop, iPad, Samsung cellphone, two Cignal digiboxes, a digital video recorder, a portable DVD player, two shoulder bags and a travelling bag were found in David’s house.

The cash and jewelry were unfortunately not recovered.

Also found in David’s possession was a loaded 9 mm pistol. Three motorcycles, two Yamaha Mios and a Honda XRM, were also seized.

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