Helpers caught stealing 1.3M yen

CEBU, Philippines - Two female helpers, one of them a minor, were arrested for allegedly stealing 1.3 million yen (about P500,000) from their Japanese employer  at Winland Tower in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City last Wednesday night.

Carmelita Flores, 53, and a 17-year-old girl were arrested with the money in their possession.

Theft and Robbery Section chief William Alicaba said the theft was discovered by their  employer, 37-year-old Katsuhiko Shigeuchi.

Last Wednesday evening, the teenager who is a native of Sagasa, Bien Unido, Bohol, had been requesting from her employer that she be allowed to return to her town because she has to attend classes already.

Shigeuchi, however, asked her to stay first while they wait for Flores to come back.

Flores, who worked as a stay-in baby sitter for the victim, earlier asked permission from Shigeuchi’s wife, Mary Jane, to go home in Barangay Mabolo.

“Ning-insist man siya na muuli na lagi daw siya kay kutob na lang pud siya gahapon (Wednesday). Gi-check laman pud sa Hapon ang iyang bag ug didto nakit-an niya ang mga yen,” Alicaba said.

Shigeuchi, upon seeing the pieces of 10,000 yen in the teenager’s bag, quickly checked his travelling bag in his room and discovered the loss. He confronted the teenager who claimed that the money, which amounted to 270,000 yen, was given to her by Flores.

Earlier that day, the teenager allegedly caught Flores stealing the money from their employer’s room. “Gitagaan ra ko niya sa kwarta. Ingon siya ‘ayaw na daghang pangutana. Gidawat na lang sad nako,” the minor lamented. (She gave me the money and told me not to ask questions.)

The couple then called TRS and arrested the incoming 3rd year high school student.

SPO4 Ernesto Panaligan, together with the victim, proceeded to Flores’ house in sitio Lahing-Lahing, which resulted in the recovery of 1,030,000 yen. A total of 1,300,000 yen or some P550,000 were recovered from the suspects, said police.

Flores, who admitted to stealing the money, was also arrested.

“Natintal ra g’yud ko ma’am oy. Arang daghanang kwarta gud,” Flores, a mother of six, said. She has been working for the couple for over a month now after replacing her daughter. (They had so much money I was tempted to steal some.)

The suspects are now detained and will face a charge for qualified theft. —/JPM (FREEMAN)