Hunt on for 3 who swindled P100k in jewelry from Surigao del Sur retiree

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Police launched a manhunt for three individuals who duped a 72-year-old retired government employee to hand in jewelry and other valuables worth about P100,000 in a “budol-budol” (swindling) scheme.

This crime happened at a local shopping center in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Col. Jeffrey Lawrence D. Mauricio, director of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office, said investigators from the Tandag Component City Police Station are tracking down a male suspect and two female accomplices.

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The three perpetrators allegedly targeted the victim at Prince Town Tandag in Barangay Bag-ong Lungsod.

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Initial investigations revealed the suspects approached the senior citizen under the pretext of facilitating free financial aid (ayuda) earmarked for retirees.

Preying on the victim’s trust, the swindlers instructed the retiree to secure all personal belongings—including assorted jewelry, a mobile phone, and other valuables—inside a bag.

While the victim was distracted, the suspects surreptitiously swapped the parcel with a bundle stuffed with cut paper.

The suspects fled before the victim discovered the switch.

Investigators are communicating with provincial intelligence units to determine if the trio belongs to an organized syndicate operating across the Caraga region. /apl