Working student loses cellphone, class funds to theft in Valenzuela
By Hannah Nicol
A working student lost her cellphone and thousands of pesos in class funds after a man took the device while it was charging inside a store in Barangay Bignay, Valenzuela City, on Sunday, Jan. 11.
A man is caught on CCTV stealing the cellphone of a working student inside a store in Barangay Bignay, Valenzuela City. (Screengrab from Sofia Segovia)
According to the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) and barangay officials, the incident occurred at around 6 p.m. when the suspect initially posed as a customer and appeared to be checking the store’s menu.
The suspect briefly stepped away before returning moments later and positioning himself near a small window where the cellphone was plugged in. He then took the device and left the area.
Barangay officials said the cellphone was worth about P6,000 and contained approximately P9,000 in e-wallet funds.
It added that the money reportedly belonged to the victim’s class and was being kept by the student, who serves as the class treasurer.
The suspect was captured on the barangay’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) fleeing the area on a bicycle.
He was seen passing through Hulo Street and turning onto Galas Street, a route leading toward Meycauayan, Bulacan.
Authorities said the suspect is believed to be a non-resident of the barangay, adding that his face was partially covered and that he was not recognized by local CCTV personnel.
Barangay officials, in coordination with the police, have intensified security measures in the area as efforts continue to identify and locate the suspect.