Claimant redeems pawned bracelet found in Mandaue City dumpsite

CEBU, Philippines - The family of Vicente Tan, who claims ownership of the over P2 million worth of jewelry found by scavengers at a dumpsite in Mandaue City early this year, has redeemed the bracelet pawned by one of the finders.

Lawyer Inocencio dela Cerna yesterday said his client redeemed the bracelet in the amount of P126,000 excluding the interest. Dela Cerna said Tan has turned over the jewelry in good faith to Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes who has custody of all the pieces of jewelry pending compliance of the legal process before it can be returned to its rightful owner.

Dela Cerna said they still have to wait for six months before the items can be fully recovered by his client granting that no other claimants will come out. Dela Cerna said should there be other claimants, he remains confident that his client will be able to prove his ownership of the jewelry.

According to dela Cerna, his client has pictures showing possession of the jewelry before these were accidentally thrown into the dumpsite.

“We are gathering evidences to prove our claim. In fact, we have pictures of our client wearing the jewelry but we have to enlarge it,” he said.

The bracelet recently redeemed by Tan is part of a stash of two bracelets, two rings and a necklace found by scavengers at the Umapad dumpsite in January.  (FREEMAN)