Burglar surprises Nepalese couple in bedroom

MANILA, Philippines -  A Nepalese couple, working as volunteers for the United Nations, was roused from sleep by a burglar who broke into their apartment in Marulas, Valenzuela City Friday.

Karma Phuntso and his wife, Tashi Lama, told police a noise made by the burglar woke Lama up and she saw a man unplugging the charger of their laptop. Lama screamed, startling the burglar, who ran out the door.

Phuntso was awakened by his wife’s screams and ran after the burglar, who managed to escape. They said they later learned their cash, jewelry, licenses, and important documents were missing.

The couple work for the UN volunteer program based in Bonn, Germany and are assigned to the peacekeeping operation in Darfur, Sudan, according to acting city police chief Superintendent Neofito Caday. They did not state why they are in the country.

Police yesterday arrested suspect Arbhin Santos, alias Bochok, of New Prodon in Barangay Gen. T. de Leon, Valenzuela. Santos was identified by the complainants from a photo gallery of suspected criminals as the same person they saw in their bedroom during the incident.

Police said they have recommended a direct filing of the case. The couple, however, allegedly asked the police to withdraw the case for fear of reprisal.

Sources said the couple cannot simply withdraw their complaint – they must first file an affidavit of desistance and submit it to the city prosecutor. They will also have to confront Santos before the prosecutor can act on the case.

Police officers said they are willing to provide protection to the couple.