Housemaid Arrested: Cops bust DH syndicate

The Manila police believe they have busted a syndicate that supplies maids to households with the intention of robbing their employers following the arrest yesterday of a housemaid who ran off with P200,000 in cash and a cellular phone.

Operatives of the Theft and Robbery Section led by Chief Inspector Dominador Arevalo Jr. nabbed suspect Joralyn Yhan, 18, and her live-in partner Jimry Villanueva, at their hiding place in Quezon City following relentless pursuit operations.

According to couple Teodulo and Elisa Narciso of Tondo, Manila they hired Yhan 12 days ago as housemaid. However, last Monday afternoon the maid was seen by neighbors leaving her employers’ house carrying a black bag. When the couple arrived home, they discovered the masters’ bedroom ransacked and their money worth P200,000 was missing, including a cellular phone worth P6,000.

Arevalo immediately formed a follow-up team of operatives led by SPO4 Gener Presnedi which tracked down the suspect in areas around Tondo, including pier terminals in the hope that the suspect may board a ship bound for the province. Their efforts initially proved futile.

An informant tipped off the police on the whereabouts of the suspect’s live-in partner leading to the arrest of the two at their lair at an apartelle in Novaliches, Quezon City. Recovered from the couple’s possession were a black bag containing P42,620 in different denominations and a cell phone which was positively identified by the Narcisos as theirs. The suspects told police they had already spent the rest of the money.

During interrogation, Villanueva tried to absolve his pregnant partner of criminal liability by admitting the robbery. However, the Narcisos insisted that it was Yhan who was seen by neighbors carrying the black bag. Police said Yhan will be charged with qualified theft, while her partner will be charged as an accessory.

Further interrogation is presently being conducted on the two suspects to identify their cohorts.

Additionally, Arevalo advised households to fully scrutinize maid applicants, and if possible secure police or NBI clearances from their prospective maids. He also warned against fly-by-night recruitment agencies which are usually in connivance with robbery syndicates.