Burglars victimize homes of those visiting the dead

CEBU, Philippines - A public school teacher lost around P70,000 worth of jewelry to burglars who were able to enter her rented house in Barangay Tuyan, Naga City, by destroying the door’s padlock.

Carmenchu Padios, 31, who was at the cemetery while the burglary was believed to have been committed, discovered her jewelry missing upon returning home around 8 p.m. last Friday.  Padios arrived home and noticed that the main door was open. She checked and discovered that the padlock was already destroyed.

She rushed into her room and found that the two pairs of her earrings worth P5,000; two pairs of rings worth P15,000; a necklace worth P30,000; and a bracelet worth P12,000, all made of gold, as well as her cellular phone worth P800, were already missing.

PO2 Elmer Naval of Naga Police Station said the house was left unattended as all the family members were at the cemetery. Padios’ husband, a seaman, was also not around.

Noval said they are suspecting that the burglar could just be one of the victim’s neighbors.

In Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, Christine Gabutan, also lost P500,000 worth of jewelry pieces and cash to burglars last Thursday.

In Barangay Lawaan III, Talisay City, Moises Torres also lost P4 million worth of jewelry to burglars also last Thursday.

Police reminded the public to always properly secure their houses by ensuring that all possible entrances to the house are blocked.  Police have offered more tips to prevent break-ins.  —(FREEMAN)