Man Wanted for Qualified Theft Arrested at Cebu Airport After Arrival from Dubai

LAPU-LAPU CITY, CEBU — A man wanted for Qualified Theft was arrested at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport on September 8, 2026, shortly after arriving on a flight from Dubai.

Personnel of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), assigned to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Police Station (MCIAPS), made the arrest at the Arrival Area of Terminal 2 in Barangay Pusok.

Details of the Arrest

The suspect, a male of legal age, was taken into custody by virtue of a warrant of arrest dated July 13, 2026. The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court in Bogo City for the charge of Qualified Theft. The court set recommended bail at Php58,000.

According to authorities, officers followed standard procedures during the operation:

• The suspect was informed of his rights under the law in a language he understood.
• An Alternative Recording Device (ARD) was used during the arrest, in line with Supreme Court rules.
• The accused remains under MCIAPS custody for proper disposition.

Statement from Authorities

PBGEN Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr., Director of the PNP AVSEGROUP, commented on the arrest.

“Our airports are gateways, not hiding places. Those who attempt to evade the law will be met by alert and vigilant AVSEGROUP personnel,” he said.

Background

Qualified Theft is a criminal offense under Philippine law. It generally covers theft committed under specific aggravating circumstances, such as breach of trust between the accused and the party affected. A warrant of arrest allows law enforcement to take a named individual into custody so the case can proceed through the courts.

The recommended bail of Php58,000 refers to the amount the court has set for the accused to secure temporary liberty while the case is pending, subject to the court’s approval.

What Happens Next

The suspect remains in the custody of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Police Station. Authorities said he will be turned over for proper disposition, which typically involves presenting the accused before the issuing court for further proceedings.

The arrest was reported by the AVSEGROUP Public Information Office. No further details about the underlying theft case, including the value of the property involved or the identities of other parties, were released at the time of reporting.

Officials did not indicate whether additional charges are being considered.