Maid allegedly tries to cash stolen check

CEBU, Philippines - The maid who allegedly ran off with P2 million worth of jewelry and other valuables from her employer in Barangay Guadalupe last month reportedly tried to withdraw P1.5 million from the victim’s checking account which the latter saved for her dialysis.

Maria Elena Hadaje, 27, tried to cash in Roxas Branch Iligan City the 10 Metrobank checks she earlier stole together with the pieces of jewelry and other valuables from Concepcion Tecson, 76.

Tecson said the bank officials called her up to confirm the withdrawal made by a certain Marilyn Tecson on July 3. Marilyn claimed to be Concepcion’s daughter-in-law and presented suspicious documents.

Tecson said she told the bank officials that the woman claiming to be her daughter-in-law is her former helper who is wanted for stealing from her. The bank personnel immediately alerted the police but the suspect was able to escape.

Tecson said Hadaje might have noticed that the bank personnel have coordinated with the law enforcers prompting her to flee. According to Tecson, Hadaje got 10 blank checks from her checkbook before fleeing last June 29. She forged her signature in an attempt to withdraw money from her account.

Theft and Robbery Section investigator PO1 Ramil Duyag said they have already coordinated with the Iligan City Police to hunt down Hadaje.

Hadaje has worked with Tecson for three months before running off with P1.8 million worth of jewelry, P127,400 cash and other personal belongings amounting to P43,700 from the other family members and househelps.

Tecson said Hadaje was referred to her by their family driver from Surigao City. Their driver claimed to have befriended Hadaje while aboard a ship from Surigao to Cebu City.

The driver, who went home to Surigao before the incident, was also included in the criminal charges for qualified theft filed against Hedaje. (FREEMAN)