Woman arrested for stealing in hotel

A 26-year-old woman was arrested after she was caught in the act of stealing the belongings of a Japanese national in the latter’s room at the Northwinds Hotel in barangay Lahug late Friday afternoon.

The suspect, a certain Juliet Mangubat of barangay Ermita, Cebu City was arrested by the hotel’s house detective/bellman shortly after she entered the room of Matsuo Seki under the pretence that she was the guest occupying that room. 

Earlier, Mangubat allegedly called the front desk and told the receptionist that a certain “Michelle” would claim her room key for her. Moments later, Mangubat arrived at the front desk and introduced himself to be that “Michelle” so she could retrieve the key to Room 409.

But while Mangubat was able to claim the key and proceed to the room, the receptionist verified the hotel records and found out that it was actually being occupied by Seki, one of the hotel’s regular guests, who was out of the hotel at that time. 

In-house detective and bellman Patrick Palamine immediately proceeded to Room 409 and caught Mangubat in the act of stealing Seki’s possessions.

Among those Mangubat was trying to steal were a pair of men’s sandals, a pair of white Rocket rubber shoes, three pocket calculators, a travel alarm clock, a laser penlight, 11 assorted Japanese fashion accessories, five packs of assorted ballpen, 17 cellphone slings, four ballpoint pens, two Tack indexes, a pack of Polari sweat powder, and two packs of Japanese tea.

A complaint for theft was already filed against Mangubat before the City Prosecutor’s Office yesterday. She is currently detained at the Cebu City Police Office.

According to the city’s Theft and Robbery Section, Mangubat is considered to be “notorious,” as she already figured in five incidents of theft in the past whose victims were also foreigners. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/JMO