3 ‘shoplifters’ arrested

CEBU, Philippines — Three women were arrested by the police after they were caught shoplifting at a convenience store in Barangay Basak-San Nicolas Wednesday afternoon, June 26.

The suspects were identified as Angel Ferrer Florentino, 28; Netchel Andrade Hilado, 33; and Raquel Billos Bejemeno, 53, all from Silay City, Negros Occidental. They were caught in the act of stealing several grocery items from a store owned by Melodina Vergara on L. Gabuya Street corner Col. Cabreros Street, Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City at 1 p.m. yesterday.

Vergara said the suspects were part of a group of five people shoplifting from her store Tuesday evening. The store owner said she immediately checked the security footage from the store’s surveillance camera when she discovered that some of the display shelves were already empty and saw the suspects looting an estimated P15,000 worth of assorted merchandise  from her store.

Vergara reported the incident to the police prompting an investigation and a follow up operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.

Police Major Efren Diaz Jr., Police Station 11 chief, said the three suspects returned to the store yesterday afternoon, apparently to shoplift again. Unknown to them, the police operatives were already alerted.

“After nato nakuha sila mismo sa tindahan, naaresto, gi follow up nato dayon kung asa sila nag stay kay according sa usa nila nga kauban nga naa didto mga items nga gikawat nila,” said Diaz.

Diaz did not discount the possibility that the suspects are here because of the upcoming Palarong Pambansa. The suspects will be charged with theft and possession of illegal drugs after they were also found in possession of shabu. —/FPL (FREEMAN)