Priests ‘forgive’ burglar in Tabor Hill chapel robbery

POLICE released the suspect in the burglary case involving jewelry taken from  the Chapel of Holy Relics in Tabor Hills, Talamban, Cebu City.

Priests of the Order of Discalced Augustinians who manage the chapel won’t file a complaint, said police.

“Sayang kay wa ma file ang kaso.  Gipasaylo sa pari kay makapasaylo man gani kuno ang Ginoo, tao pa kaha,” said Senior Inspector Lizandro Quijano, chief of the Theft and Robbery Section (TRS). (Too bad,  they did not file a complaint. The priests forgave him because they said even God is forgiving of the faults of others.)

Elly Cogtas, 42, was arrested  at his home in Talamban after one of three stolen rings was found in his pant’s pocket. He was suspected of having stolen the rings and two necklaces worth  P600,000 after breaking the glass case of  St. Rita wherein her relics are stored in the chapel last December 29.

A chapel worker reported that  Cogtas was the last person seen leaving the chapel.

Quijano said Cogtas gained notoriety in the area because he was previously convicted  for snatching.

Cogtas denied stealing the jewelry and said the ring was “planted.”  Jewelry displayed on the image of St. Rita  were discovered missing after a Christmas party held by priests and seminarians./ Correspondent Chito Aragon