CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a 17-year-old girl for allegedly stealing 35 pieces of ham and various cosmetics items from Gaisano Grand Mall.
After finding probable cause, Prosecutor III Simaco Labata decided that the minor, a resident of Sitio Wakwak, Barangay Pasil, Cebu City, will undergo trial for theft.
Social workers also certified that the girl (real name withheld for being a minor) acted with discernment in committing the crime.
During the inquest proceeding, the girl chose not to undergo preliminary investigation to answer the allegations filed against her, opting to face the charges in court.
Labata recommended a P24,000 bail for the girl’s temporary liberty.
Anthony del Castillo, a house detective of FAIR Security Agency, alleged in his affidavit that while he was on duty at the grocery department of the mall, he saw a girl who was acting suspiciously.
He said the girl appeared to be looking around as if trying to ensure that no one was looking.
Del Castillo said the girl took some items and stuffed them inside her bag before moving to another display rack.
He said he followed the girl until she started going towards the exit without paying the items she surreptitiously placed inside her bag.
He said he then informed the exit security guards, who accosted the minor and demanded from her a receipt that she could not produce.
Del Castillo said they were able to recover 35 pieces of DAK chopped ham worth P251.25 each; 28 pieces of Skin White Teens worth P60 each; and 51 pieces of Ever Belina Eye Care worth P65 each, or a total of P13, 788.75 in stolen items. — (FREEMAN)