Actress, cosplayer, and content creator Myrtle Sarrosa is seeking the public’s help after her mobile phone was reportedly stolen during ToyCon 2026, with the person believed to be holding the device allegedly asking for more than the ₱30,000 reward she initially offered for its return.
The incident occurred during the recently concluded ToyCon 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, where Sarrosa and Indonesian cosplayer Nekonoi Katsu both reportedly lost their phones.
In a series of social media posts, Sarrosa revealed that the missing device contains years of personal memories, work-related files, cosplay footage, gameplay recordings, business contacts, important messages, and unreleased content that she cannot easily replace.
“Hindi po ako galit. Honestly, I completely understand that people go through different circumstances in life. From the bottom of my heart, wala po akong galit o sama ng loob,” she wrote.
“Ang hiling ko lang po sana ay maibalik ang phone ko. Marami po kasi itong important memories, files and videos na for my content na hindi ko na mapapalitan.”
Sarrosa also addressed speculation online regarding the contents of the device.
“I would never compromise my faith, values, and principles. Ang worry ko po talaga are my work files, cosplay footage, gameplay recordings, business contacts, important messages, and years of memories. Including ‘yung recent behind the scenes vid nung nakilala kong cast ng One Piece,” she said.
According to the former ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ winner, she and her family immediately attempted to track the phone after activating its location services.
The search reportedly led them from Pasay City to several locations in Quezon City, including Commonwealth, Fairview, and Mindanao Avenue, where the device appeared to be moving.
Sarrosa said they came close to locating the phone multiple times using its tracking and ring features.
However, the situation took a turn when the person carrying the device allegedly switched it off.
“But as we used the ring feature… the person turned the phone off. The location froze. The tracker stopped moving. The phone suddenly went offline,” she recalled.
In a subsequent update, Sarrosa disclosed that communication had been established with the individual believed to be in possession of the phone.
While she declined to reveal specific details due to ongoing efforts to recover the device, she suggested that the person appeared to be seeking a larger payout than the reward she publicly offered.
“I can’t share everything yet because we’re still hoping to continue communicating with the person who currently has the phone. But let’s just say… it doesn’t feel like the goal is simply returning the phone anymore. Right now, it feels like the goal is to get more money,” she wrote.
Despite the setback, Sarrosa said she remains hopeful that the device can still be recovered.
“Prayers na lang muna na maging mabuting tao siya,” she added.
In her latest social media update, Sarrosa appealed to her followers to help amplify her situation by tagging media programs and public service platforms.
“Internet Fam, I need your help. Can you all do your thing and tag Raffy Tulfo in Action and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho. I sent messages!” she wrote.
She also reached out to individuals who have experienced similar incidents.
“And to everyone who has had their phone stolen before and tracked it, if you still have screenshots of your tracking locations, please send them to me via DM on my page.”
“If you ever went thru the same situation as me na nakawan kayo, do DM me the tracking location!”
Amid the ongoing ordeal, Sarrosa expressed gratitude to ToyCon organizers, security personnel, and police officers who have assisted in the search.
She emphasized that responsibility should fall on those who commit theft and not on those trying to help.
“I want to remind everyone that the fault lies with the people stealing, not with those doing their best to assist,” she said.
As of writing, Sarrosa continues to coordinate efforts to recover the device while keeping communication lines open with the person believed to be holding the phone. She has not yet disclosed whether formal legal action will be pursued.
