Police arrested a technician on Tuesday, April 15, for stealing a luxury watch worth P200,000 from a Japanese national residing in a condominium unit in Barangay San Antonio, Makati City.
The Makati Police identified the suspect as "Jomari," 29.
Based on the police report, Jomari is one of several workers assigned to a scheduled maintenance inspection inside the victim's unit on April 14.
The 54-year-old victim discovered the loss of his luxury watch after the inspection, prompting him to report the incident to the police.
According to several witnesses, the suspect exhibited unusual behavior during the inspection, reportedly keeping a close watch on valuable items placed on a dining table.
The police launched a follow-up operation against Jomari after he was positively identified through CCTV as the thief. The footage showed him pacing repeatedly near a fire exit and appearing to hide an item inside his sling bag.
A further search of the fire exit area led to the recovery of a watch case foam, which supported a witness' testimony that the suspect had discarded an item there.
The suspect eventually admitted that he had already sold the watch.
Southern Police District (SPD) acting district director Brig. Gen. Joseph Arguelles commended the police for the successful operation.
"This incident is a clear demonstration of how timely response and teamwork can lead to results. Our investigators acted swiftly and professionally, ensuring justice is pursued. The Southern Police District remains firm in its commitment to safeguard our communities and hold violators accountable," he said.