A woman identified only as alias “Baby Jane” is now under police custody after allegedly stealing from a boarding house in Barangay San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City, on October 6.
Police said the suspect was arrested at her home in Barangay Sta. Lourdes around 4:30 p.m. on October 7 and was brought to Mendoza Police Station by 5:15 p.m. for investigation.
Baby Jane reportedly pleaded not to be charged, saying she did it only for her children.
One of the boarders, Froilan Jick Canas Ergen, told Palawan News earlier that they noticed the woman loitering around their compound before the alleged theft.
“Nanakawan na naman kami sa boarding house. This time, babae na naman ang magnanakaw diumano,” Ergen said.
When they returned, he said they found their belongings scattered inside the room and some money missing.
He added that it was not the first time their boarding house had been targeted by thieves.
“Bago pa man ang pagnanakaw ng babae, nilooban na rin kami ng mga lalaking hindi pa nakikilala,” he said.
Ergen said the woman later begged for forgiveness, saying she did it because of poverty and to provide for her seven children.
“Kung ako lang ang masusunod, hahayaan ko na lang sana dahil naaawa ako sa kalagayan niya,” he said.
“Pero karapatan din ng mga kasamahan ko na makamit ang hustisya,” he added.
Police said the suspect was asked to return the stolen items. If she fails to do so, charges will be filed against her.
The case has stirred mixed reactions on social media, with many netizens expressing frustration over repeated theft incidents in the city.
One commented, “sini shield ang mga anak na patawarin, pero uulit at uulit yan, ganun ng ganun.”
“Kulong nayan po kasi magnakaw payan kong dimasampolan para di na niya ulitin… ako nga nagdadampot pa ng mga basura sa awa ng diyos kumakain pa po kami,” another said.
Others pointed out that hardship should not be used as an excuse.
“Hindi dahilan na naghihirap ang isang tao, kailangan na magnakaw? Hindi katwiran yan lumaban ng patas magtrabaho ng marangal,” they said.
Meanwhile, Alaiza Alcantara Zerrudo-Tabang urged Ergen to continue with the case.
“Sir Froilan ituloy mo. Maraming pwedeng pasukan na trabaho. Katamaran lang yan. Huwag sana gawing rason ang kahirapan para magnakaw,” she said.
As of this writing, it is not known if charges have already been filed against the suspect.
