‘Killer’ maid poisons, robs another Tsinoy household

Police are warning the public against employing undocumented maids after a newly hired maid poisoned and robbed a Filipino-Chinese household in Sta. Cruz, Manila recently.

The manner and execution of the crime was almost identical to what happened to another Chinese-Filipino family in Binondo last January, according to Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut.

Walter Ngo, 35, reported to police that a certain “Ailah” was recommended as a housemaid to his mother, Estrella, by security guard Saturnino Pascua last Monday.

Pascua – who has known the Ngo family for a long time – claimed Ailah is a relative and he could be held responsible for any wrongdoing on her part, according to Walter.

Based on Pascua’s recommendation, Estrella hired Ailah without bothering to ask for her credentials, Walter said.

On Tuesday morning, Walter tasked Ailah and another maid, Criselda Batua, to clean his room. He then left the house. While cleaning, Ailah offered to make coffee for Batua. After drinking the coffee, Batua experienced nausea and vomiting, prompting her to leave the room.

Walter said Ailah forcibly opened his desk and stole P80,000, two gold bracelets worth P100,000 and a P20,000 digital camera.

Batua is still recuperating at the Metropolitan Hospital for food poisoning.

Pascua admitted that he does not personally know Ailah, and that he only took pity on her when she approached him for work.

Police said the description of Ailah is similar to that of “Gelyn,” who poisoned two members of the Pua family and three other maids on the first day the family hired her as a housemaid. Gelyn stole P45,000 before escaping.

Yabut believes the same person poisoned the two families. Gelyn was described as in her late 20s, at least five feet tall, with a medium build and fair complexion.

He advised families to secure police clearance from walk-in applicants. “The suspect is still on the loose, waiting for another opportunity to strike,” Yabut warned.