MANILA, Philippines ? A woman suspected of taking some P7.3 million from the company operating the Metrowalk shopping facility in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, was arrested Thursday by the Pasig City police months after she disappeared.

Eastern Police District Chief Senior Supt. Leonilo dela Cruz identified the suspect as Ma. Theresa Mañalac, a resident of Penthouse D, LPL Plaza, 124 Leviste Street, Legazpi, Makati City.

Mañalac, police said, was the treasurer of Optimus Property Holdings Corp., the company that manages Metrowalk. The company reported to the police in February that Mañalac disappeared with P7.3 million of its money.

Judge Amelia Manalastas of Pasig City Branch 268 later issued a warrant for Manalac?s arrest.

Case officer PO1 Victor Bantog said Mañalac was arrested at about 5:30 p.m. while she shopped at the Monterey Meat Shop beside the EPD Annex on Meralco Ave. in Pasig.

Court records showed Mañalac was charged with qualified theft by Optimus, through its representative Ramon Lee, after she allegedly withdrew P7,344,000 from the company?s account on Feb. 4.

Lee said Mañalac, as treasurer, had access to the company?s funds.

After withdrawing the money, Mañalac went into hiding, Lee said.

Mañalac did not give a statement to the police, according to Senior Supt. Francisco Uyami, chief of the Pasig City police. But she told investigators she had no idea there was a criminal case filed against her.