Members of the Police Intelligence & Investigation Division (PIID) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have arrested a woman who recently stole almost PHP 300,000 from a returning Oveseas Filipino Worker (OFW), PTV News reported.
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During an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Thursday, Senior Inspector Nemencio Bawalan of the airport police stated that the incident took place at Terminal 3 on Monday (November 12). The suspect, Juvy Zamora, was found to be a “notorious swindler.”
Suspect Befriended OFW Before Stealing Her Money
The victim, Gemalie Martin, had been waiting for her connecting flight to Tuguegarao when the suspect approached and “befriended” her. They even had snacks at the airport, then somehow, Zamora “convinced” Martin to withdraw PHP 270,000 from her bank account.
Afterwards, the suspect accompanied the victim to the ladies’ room. When Martin got out, Zamora was no longer around. She then realized that her money, as well as her bag containing HKD 10,000, jewelry, mobile phones, passport, and other important documents — were gone!
Martin reported what happened to the airport police. They showed her a photo gallery of possible suspects, and at first, she pointed at the wrong person. The police looked at CCTV footage from the restaurant where Zamora and Martin had snacks. Upon further investigation, they learned that Zamora, a resident of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, was the swindler.
On Wednesday night, the operatives, led by Airport Police Department (APD) Chief Romeo Labador, went to Zamora’s residence and apprehended her. They were able to recover Martin’s documents and other items, but the money that remained was only PHP 65,000.
At present, Zamora is detained at the APD Headquarters. Operatives stated that charges for violation of Articles 308 (theft) and 151 (resistance & disobedience to a person in authority) of the Revised Penal Code have been filed against her at the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.
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Truly, it is dismaying to hear about other Filipinos robbing OFWs of their hard-earned money. Fortunately, in this case, airport operatives were quick to act, and justice has been served!