COMELEC Commissioner George Garcia falls victim to theft — here’s what you should do if it happens to you

• IN PHOTO: Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner George Garcia (photo courtesy of Kapihan sa Manila Bay)

By Art Samaniego

Even top government officials are not spared from the growing problem of theft in Metro Manila. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner George Garcia was recently victimized by a group of thieves while dining at a restaurant along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City on Monday, August 19, around lunchtime.

According to Commissioner Garcia, he noticed that his bag was missing — a bag that contained ₱12,000 in cash, a cellphone, ATM cards, and several identification cards, including his official COMELEC ID.

CCTV footage from the establishment revealed that a group of individuals was allegedly behind the theft. Garcia immediately filed a police blotter after the incident.

In a message to the media, he confirmed that none of his belongings have been recovered as of this writing.

Let this be a warning: Phone theft is no longer “just” phone theft. In today’s digital age, a stolen smartphone could easily become a tool for identity theft, bank fraud, social media hijacking, or even unauthorized access to government and corporate systems. Your entire digital life, from finances to personal and professional data, is in that device.

If this ever happens to you, here is what you need to do immediately to protect yourself.

What to do if your phone is stolen

If your phone is stolen whether you’re a public servant or a private citizen, these are the steps you need to take immediately:

Step 1: Lock and track your device

Android Users:

Visit Google Find My Device and Use these options:

• Ring the phone
• Track it
• Lock it and leave a message
• Sign out your Google account
• Erase your data remotely

iPhone Users:

• Go to iCloud Find My
• Select your lost iPhone to:
• Play a sound Activate Lost Mode
• Wipe it remotely if needed

Step 2: Call Your Mobile Provider

Immediately request to:

• Inform your SIM provider and ask to block the SIM card
• Replace it with your same number
• Report to NTC to blacklist your IMEI number
• You can find your IMEI on the phone box, receipt, or Google/Apple account dashboard.

Step 3: File a Police Blotter

Just as Commissioner Garcia did, go to your local police station and file a report. Bring any proof of ownership, like:

• Original box
• Sales receipt
• List of stolen items
• IMEI or serial number

This is crucial for insurance claims, telco support, and legal record-keeping.

Step 4: Change All Passwords Immediately

Prioritize these accounts:

• Emails (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)
• Banking & e-wallets (GCash, Maya, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger)
• Work accounts (Zoom, Slack, Microsoft 365)

If your SIM is still active, thieves may intercept 2FA codes. Don’t wait.

Step 5: Monitor Activity & Notify Contacts

• Watch for unauthorized logins or money transfers
• Inform your bank and mobile wallet provider to lock or monitor your account
• Warn your family, friends, and colleagues to ignore messages or calls from your number

Why You Must Act Fast

A stolen phone isn’t just lost hardware — it’s a loaded weapon in the wrong hands.

It holds your passwords, photos, IDs, banking apps, one-time passcodes, and even work accounts.

Once compromised, thieves can drain your funds, impersonate you, or harvest sensitive data. In Commissioner Garcia’s case, the loss of his COMELEC ID and mobile device could have serious implications.

Don’t wait. Lock it. Report it. Change your passwords. Every second matters.

Additional Steps You Should Consider

If your phone was stolen in a public place, try to check nearby CCTV footage or coordinate with establishment staff or barangay officials to retrieve visual evidence.

You should also report your phone’s IMEI number to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) so it can be blacklisted and rendered unusable on Philippine networks.

If you used your phone for work, it’s crucial to inform your company’s IT or security team immediately, especially if it had access to internal apps, emails, or sensitive files.

REMEMBER: A stolen phone isn’t just a minor inconvenience — it’s a digital emergency. Act fast, follow all necessary steps, and stay vigilant.