Police: Be careful when hiring helpers

CEBU, Philippines - Police reminded homeowners to be careful in hiring house helpers following the disappearance of a house helper who allegedly ran off with P2 million worth of cash and jewelry in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.

SPO4 Jaime Toring, deputy chief of Theft and Robbery Section of the Cebu City Police Office, said employers should not hire house helps without clearances from the National Bureau of Investigation and police.

Toring said these documents are not easily given to applicants because they have to undergo verification of their identities.

“Clearances must be required from applicants and they should undergo background check,” Toring said.

He said employers should not fully trust their cash and valuables to their house helpers or anyone at home, or make them easily accessible.

Police are now looking for Maria Elena Madaje, 27, a native of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, who allegedly stole from her employer, Conception Tecson, at least P2 million worth of cash and jewelry.

Medaje, who allegedly ran away with 10 checks, no longer reported for work since last Saturday.

Last Monday, a bank in Iligan City called up Tecson to verify if she really wanted to have her P1.5 million worth of check encashed, as a woman identifying herself as her relative tried to encash it.

Toring said they are currently coordinating with the Iligan police to locate the woman, who turned out to be Madaje.

Vicente Fernandez, lawyer of the victim, said they also found out that that the suspect has used aliases such as Remy Ramos, Manilyn Arso, Annalyn Ramos, Manilyn Tecson.

Fernandez said they are currently coordinating with the bank on the filing of charges against the suspect.  (FREEMAN)