MANILA, Philippines--The former personal assistant of actress Jennylyn Mercado was arrested Thursday morning by police after a local court issued an arrest warrant against her for qualified theft.

Rowena Pulmano was placed under the custody of the Quezon City Police District?s Police Intelligence Operations Unit (DPIOU) following her arrest in San Mateo, Rizal province, according to DPIOU head Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo Jr.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 77 presiding Judge Vivencio Baclig earlier issued a warrant of arrest for Pulmano after the Quezon City Prosecutor?s Office charged Pulmano with qualified theft, although it dismissed falsification charges against her.

Pulmano allegedly used P460,000 in checks belonging to Mercado.

No bail was recommended for the suspect?s temporary liberty, according to the indictment signed by Assistant City Prosecutor Arleen Tagaban.

Mercado, however, filed a motion for reconsideration seeking an additional charge of falsification of commercial documents against Pulmano for allegedly issuing checks belonging to the actress.

But in a motion filed in court, Pulmano?s counsels said their client was not involved in the preparation of Mercado?s checks and their deposits or encashment and the payment of utility bills, office supplies and salaries.