Two minors fall for burglarizing store

CEBU – Two boys were arrested after they ransacked a merchandising store and stole more than P24,000 worth of cash and goods in Poblacion, Daanbantayan town last Friday.

During their arrest, the two brothers—aged 12 and 13—admitted robbing Jinky Dry Goods last Friday and another establishment, R&S Store, early this month.

Elements of Daanbantayan Police Station rounded up the two brothers after they were positively identified by a neighbor as the ones responsible for the recent burglary.

PO2 Edwin Dignos said the suspects’ neighbor, Lito Baroyo, reported to the police seeing the two boys ransacked Jinky Store last Friday and ran away with cash and assorted goods.

Recovered from the two suspects were 35 nail cutters, 25 iron padlocks, four Islander slippers, seven sports leather shoes, two gold colored sandals, five Walker slippers, seven basket balls, two cooking dishes, two dozen assorted clothes, 10 full white dresses, 18 denim shorts and 15 pairs of different shoes.

Jinky Store owner Jacqueline Sato said the undetermined amount of cash left at the drawer was also missing.

The two boys owned up to the crime, including the one at the R&S Store last October 8 where almost P3,000 goods were also reported missing.

They said they wanted to help their family since their father is jobless.

Under the Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006, youth offenders who are aged 15 years old and below could not be criminally prosecuted.

The law mandates that minor offenders, upon their apprehension by law enforcers, should be automatically turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for rehabilitation. — Ferliza C. Contratista/WAB (THE FREEMAN)