Authorities have arrested a 62-year-old man for allegedly stealing P80,000 from a fellow senior citizen while riding a jeep in Manila.
CCTV footage shows the suspect, wearing a white T-shirt, boarding the jeep on Taft Avenue. Upon reaching Lawton, the suspect quickly exited the vehicle and was seen rushing across the street. It was later discovered that he had stolen approximately P80,000 in cash from a 79-year-old passenger.
The victim did not immediately realize the theft, but another passenger helped him report the incident to the police. Police Lieutenant Colonel Alfonso Saligumba of the Manila Police District Station 5 confirmed that they quickly responded and conducted a backtracking operation to trace the suspect.
The following day, the suspect was apprehended at a mall in Quiapo, although only P40,500 of the stolen money was recovered. Authorities also found the victim’s wallet, made from a sock and a balisong knife in the suspect’s possession.
The police discovered that the suspect had a prior criminal record for a similar offense. The suspect, who admitted to the crime, explained he stole the money because he was kicked out of his house and was hungry. He also claimed he only took around P70,000, which he had spent on drinks with friends and sending money to his children in the province.
The suspect is now in custody at the Ermita Police Station and faces charges of theft and concealing a deadly weapon. He expressed regret for his actions.
