Snatcher blames mother

A mother’s wrath over a lost bracelet drove a male teenager to steal a replacement Friday night in Pasay City.

Suspect Rogelio Cabagnasan, 19, married,of B-18 Lot 12, Barrio Sto. Niño, Pasay, was immediately arrested after victim Palama Bilang’s screams for help caught the attention of patrolling policemen.

Bilang, 30, of Taguig, was reportedly walking at around 6 p.m. on EDSA Rotonda in Taft Avenue, Pasay, when Cabagnasan came from behind and snatched her bracelet.

The suspect tried to run away but did not get far after responding policemen caught up with him and recovered the stolen bracelet.

Now detained at the Pasay City police Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Cabagnasan said he was forced to steal a bracelet to appease his mother, Maria, 37.

The suspect said his mother even threw him out of their house for losing a bracelet she bought for his wife, Liza, 21.

Cabagnasan said his mother would not believe him when he explained that a small group of people accosted him and his wife last Valentine’s Day while they were walking near the Reclamation Area, and accused him of stealing the bracelet.

As he denied the accusation, Cabagnasan said he showed the group his wife’s bag. Inside they saw Liza’s broken bracelet and forced him to give it to them.

Police are set to file appropriate charges against Cabagnasan. — Nikko Dizon