Authorities Arrest Woman for Allegedly Posing as Parent to Steal From Schools
A woman posing as a parent was arrested in Manila after she was caught allegedly stealing from a public school.
Authorities later discovered that she may also be linked to a series of theft incidents in other schools and churches across Metro Manila and Bulacan.
The suspect was first identified through security footage taken inside A. Mabini Elementary School in Quiapo, Manila. The video showed a woman looking into a classroom before entering. after a few moments, she was seen leaving the area after reportedly taking the wallet of a teacher who was not inside the room at that time.
After images of the suspect were shared on social media, more victims came forward. School officials from other areas in Manila reported similar incidents in which personal belongings were stolen from classrooms.
According to investigators, the woman allegedly took advantage of class suspensions. During these situations, parents are often allowed to enter school grounds to fetch their children. The suspect reportedly pretended to be a parent so she could move around the campus without drawing attention and gain access to classrooms.
Police tracked down the woman at her residence in Barangay 872, Santa Ana, Manila, where she was later arrested. Authorities also found that she had an existing warrant of arrest in Quezon City for a theft case dating back to 2022.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect may have been involved in theft cases inside churches over the past several years. Records showed incidents in Mandaluyong, Bulacan, and Quezon City where gadgets, cash, and wallets were reported stolen. The value of the stolen items reached tens of thousands of pesos.
Investigators believe the suspect targeted places where people felt safe and focused on their activities, making them less likely to notice missing belongings.
The woman is now under the custody of the Manila Police District while authorities continue their investigation and determine whether additional charges will be filed against her.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
