Edgardo Mangarin, 53, of Barangay Calumpang, Binangonan, Rizal was collared after stealing the bag of Mark Edison Bautista inside the Concepcion Church in Barangay Concepcion Uno at about 12:05 p.m.
Police said Bautista was seated beside Mangarin who pretended to be in deep prayer.
"Nang luluhod na ako para magdasal agad niyang kinuha ang bag ko na iniwan ko sa upuan," the victim said. "Tapos tumayo siya at nagmamadaling lumabas ng simbahan."
However, unknown to Managrin, Bautista had followed him and sought help from other churchgoers.
Mangarin was eventually collared and is now detained at the Marikina detention center.
Police are readying robbery charges against Mangarin, who admitted his crime.– Non Alquitran