Caught in the Act: 3 Moms Steal Phones in Bid to Buy School Supplies
SCHOOL SUPPLIES – Three mothers were apprehended in Quezon City after allegedly stealing mobile phones to buy school supplies for their children.
Three women—two sisters and their friend—were apprehended in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City after allegedly stealing two mobile phones from government employees. The incident occurred on a Monday morning as the victims waited for public transportation on their way to work.
According to an ABS-CBN News report, the suspects confessed that they resorted to theft due to extreme financial hardship. They claimed the stolen phones would have been sold to raise money for their children’s school supplies.
Eyewitnesses at the scene saw the women committing the act and promptly reported it to the authorities. Responding swiftly, police arrested the three women: two sisters aged 42 and 39, and their 39-year-old friend. All of them are mothers.
Further investigation revealed that the 42-year-old had been previously arrested six times for theft, while her two accomplices had prior records of the same crime, each having been apprehended three times before. Authorities are still on the lookout for a fourth member of their group who managed to flee during the operation.
Police believe the suspects are part of a larger group known to operate in various areas including Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, and San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan. They are suspected to be involved in similar incidents in the past.
Recovered from the suspects were two mobile phones valued at around ₱11,000. The women admitted their wrongdoing and expressed regret, stating that poverty and the approaching school year left them with little choice.
While their actions were clearly against the law, the case highlights the ongoing struggles of many families facing economic hardship. The incident has sparked discussions on social media, with some expressing sympathy for the mothers’ situation, while others emphasize the importance of upholding the law regardless of personal circumstances.
As the investigation continues, authorities remind the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to help prevent similar incidents.
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