Student who took woman’s bag let off with a reprimand

MANILA, Philippines—A 19-year-old female student got off lightly after she was caught with more than P40,000 in cash and valuables, which she stole from a guest at a wedding reception on Sunday night in Quezon City.

Velanie Peña received only a reprimand from the owner of the bag that she stole.

Peña, a resident of Cavite City, was apprehended at around 6:30 p.m. while she was attending a wedding reception at Patio Ibarra restaurant on Quezon Avenue in Barangay (village) South Triangle.

Recovered from her were a video camera worth P20,000; a digital camera valued at P10,000; a cell phone and a wallet containing P8,000 in cash.

The items belonged to Delia Robedillo, 57, also a guest at the party.

Reports from the Kamuning police station showed that Robedillo had left her bag with her son as she had to go to the restroom.

Her son, however, left the bag unattended on their table as he was asked to participate in a game.

When Robedillo reported the loss of her bag, the restaurant management quickly inspected the guests’ belongings before allowing them to leave the venue.

The bag was later found in Peña’s possession.