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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Art theft: Caretaker nabbed for stealing P2.1M worth of antique paintings, religious statues in Cavite

Art theft: Caretaker nabbed for stealing P2.1M worth of antique paintings, religious statues in Cavite

Published Nov 7, 2022 09:08 am

ALFONSO, Cavite – A man was collared for allegedly stealing P2.1 million worth of antique paintings and religious statues from his employer.

The Alfonso Municipal Police Station (MPS) identified the suspect as Virgilio R. De Lima, a 30-year-old stay-in caretaker of the house of the complainant.

A few hours before the arrest on Nov. 5, the victim discovered that the collection of artworks in his house in Barangay Esperanza was missing with no sign of forced entry.

He immediately checked his warehouse in Barangay Luksuhin Ibaba and his other house in Barangay Zambal in the neighboring town of Tagaytay, only to find yet more pieces of his art collection gone.

Included in the stolen items were expensive paintings, religious statues made of ivory, and pieces made by known sculptors, including Maximo Vicente, Santiago Santos, and San Francisco Vecin.

Two witnesses stated that on Oct. 1, the suspect was heard talking to a delivery rider on loudspeaker about having items picked up from Barangay Zambal.

Authorities arrested the suspect and recovered from him two paintings worth P300,000.

The suspect is now under the custody of Alfonso MPS.

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