Man confesses to theft outside Simala

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged thief caught stealing from the vendors outside the Simala Shrine in Sibonga town during the birthday celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary has confessed to the police.

Argen Clifford Terogo, 22, a resident of Cogon, Carcar City, was arrested Tuesday afternoon after stealing P45,000 from Vidal Rabanez, 65, a store owner selling local delicacies and snacks outside the church.

 Police Officer 3 Herbert Pananganan, case investigator, said Rabanez lost his sales to Terogo who took advantage while the victim was busy attending to several customers at that time.

 Terogo was caught by Vicente Perocillo and his daughter, Mary Jane, hurriedly walking out from the store of Rabanez. Perocillo and Mary Jane also own a store beside Rabanez’ stall.

“Nahibong sila nga naa’y nigawas sa tindahan sa biktima nga di nila kaila. Na-shock sila nga nagbitbit sa coin purse ni Rabanez mao nisyagit sila og “hala kawatan,” Pananganan said.

 Rabanez immediately checked his store and found the container of his sales on the floor. It was originally placed by the victim in the drawer. He also discovered that its contents were already missing.

 Terogo tried to run away but was arrested by civilians and ended up being mauled by bystanders. He landed at the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City for the bruises he sustained and was later detained at Sibonga Police Station.

 Pananganan said Rabanez claimed Terogo stole P45,000 of his sales for three days and his coin purse. But, the barangay tanods and the civilians only turned over P14, 115 to the police. Terogo said he was not able to count the exact amount he had stolen from Rabanez.

 The police also found a cellular phone worth P1,500 in Terogo’s underwear. One of the vendors outside the Simala Shrine claimed the phone was hers which was also stolen on that same day.

During the interrogation, Terogo reportedly admitted stealing from two other stores in the same area last month.

“Ang admission sa suspek nga nangawat pud siya sa laing duha ka tindahan gawas sa simbahan ni-coincide pud sa duha ka kaso nga kawat gihapon nga na-report sa mga tindera adto sa ilang barangay,” he said, adding that they will further look into the matter and coordinate with the victims.

 The suspect claimed he conspired with two of his friends in committing the crime.

Pananganan said Terogo confessed that they plan to steal from the vendors outside the Simala Shrine who would be preoccupied in attending to their customers. Terogo, however, refused to name his friends.

Pananganan said they will file theft charges today before the Office of the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor against Terogo. — (FREEMAN)