'Single mom' nabbed after stealing milk, cooking oil, balloons

A woman was arrested after allegedly taking milk, a bottle of cooking oil, and balloons from a shopping center in Cagayan de Oro City.

According to a report on GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, the suspect was a single mother and the stolen goods worth P648 were for her child's birthday.

Several social media posts claimed the suspect allegedly shoplifted for the birthday celebration of her child but the city police refuted the information.

According to the authorities, the woman is not a single mother and she supposedly stole the products for her aunt.

The suspect was freed hours later after the owner of the shop withdrew his complaint.

Several concerned citizens also extended help to the arrested woman by personally going to the police station to pay for the products she allegedly stole.

“Nakalabas na siya... Both parties, nag-come up sila into an amicable settlement, so wala nang further charges na isasampa,” saidPolice Staff Sergeant Genesis Babanto of the Cagayan de Oro Police.

(She has been released... Both parties reached an amicable settlement so no charges will be filed against her.)

The local police also defended themselves from criticisms after they detained the alleged single mom.

“Kami as pulis, ang papel namin ay pagtanggap ng reklamo o pag-file sa kanilang reklamo. Since may complainant, may naarestong suspek, ang trabaho naming ay pag-file ng kaso,” Babanto said.

(We are cops, our role is to receive and file people’s complaints. Since there is a complainant and a suspect, our job is to file the case.) -Sundy Locus/NB, GMA News