Filipino pickpockets strike not only anywhere but also prey on anyone, even on law enforcers.
A mainland China police officer on holiday with his family in Hong Kong fell victim to two Filipino pickpockets inside a subway station, a report by Hong Kong News said.
Police officer Zi Yu was able to collar one of the alleged culprits, identified as Apolinar B. Roxas, but lost a total of HK$11,125 to an accomplice after his waist bag was taken away while he and his wife and daughter took the train at MTR Tsim Sha Tsui station.
Roxas pleaded not guilty after being charged with theft at Kowloon City Magistrates Courts on October 8.
According to the prosecution, the incident happened at around 8:10 p.m. on August 18 at the MTR station in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The defendant was reportedly standing behind and pushed the police officer. When the Zi turned around, he saw Roxas hand over his waist bag reportedly to another Filipino man. While Zi caught Roxas, the alleged accomplice took away his belongings, which included HK$4,000 cash, smartphone, credit cards and hotel cards.
The police are now looking for Roxas’ alleged accomplice while the Filipino’s trial was reset after Zi failed to show up in court on October 8.
“Since there is no bail application, you will be remanded in jail for the meantime,” Deputy Magistrate Ip said to Roxas.