Thieves pen note after looting Iloilo school: Sorry, we don't have rice

Thieves took several appliances from one of the rooms at the Oton Central Elementary School in Iloilo, but wrote a note on the blackboard seemingly apologizing for their crime.

In a report by GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas' John Sala, school authorities said they discovered that 14 stand fans, two wall fans, an air conditioner, and a flat screen television were missing at the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) office of the school.

A note on the blackboard appeared to explain the incident: “Pasensya na, wala kaming bigas. Kami ang magnanakaw."

According to authorities, it is possible that the suspects are already familiar with the area and have been monitoring for a some time.

“May nakita silang parang mga tao na tumatawid. Hindi natin na-determine ang edad. ‘Yan pa ang inaalam natin,” Major Fernand Limbungan, chief of Oton Municipal Police Station said.

In light of the incident, school officials asked authorities to keep watch over the area to ensure the safety of the students and teachers.

“Mag-hire kami ng security guard through an agency. Magpo-provide din kami ng CCTV kasi ang CCTV namin isa lang ang functioning ang sa principal’s office,” Ma. Erna Elmido, school guidance designate said.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News