BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
Three thieves were caught on CCTV loitering outside a store in Barangay Kias, Baguio City at around 2:30 AM on May 2.
The footage shows them peeking inside the store before attempting—and failing—to break the lock.
Seven minutes later, the same men were seen entering the establishment through the bathroom window.
They took off with 80,000 pesos worth of cash and goods, including liquor and chocolates.
“Of course I’m upset, that was my money,” said “Freda,” the store owner, who asked not to be fully named. “They even took chocolates and drinks from the fridge, and stuffed the money into a container. They grabbed coins too using one of our eco-bags.”
The crime shocked the store’s owner, who said this was the first time she had been robbed in 15 years of business. “It’s hard,” she said. “All the shelves are empty now. Even emotionally, it’s draining. I can’t focus. I should be thinking about what to restock, but now I have nothing.”
What’s worse, she said, is that among the stolen money was an amount someone left behind and was supposed to claim the next day.
Neighboring store vendors are now more cautious. “It’s scary,” said Melanie Fontanos. “We’re all trying to be more careful now.”
Police believe at least two of the three suspects are minors and are continuing their investigation. According to Station 4 Commander PMaj. Carlos Puguan Jr., two suspects have already been identified. “We’re now coordinating with the victim to proceed with the necessary steps,” he said.
Puguan added that the suspects may also be involved in other theft incidents in the area. “We’re urging business owners not to leave collections behind in their stores, especially if they don’t live there,” he said.
