CAGAYAN de Oro City — A 32-year-old woman was arrested after she was allegedly caught trying to leave a grocery store in Valencia City, Bukidnon, with P11,911.75 worth of unpaid items on Sept. 19.
Security personnel of New Gaisano City Valencia stopped the woman at the store exit and turned her over to the Valencia City Police Station at about 4:30 p.m., police said.
Initial investigation showed that the woman had bought several products but allegedly took additional grocery items, including milk, coffee, powdered juice and biscuits.
Police said she placed the items in a Gaisano eco bag and allegedly attempted to leave without paying for them.
A security guard conducting a routine inspection at the exit asked her to present receipts for the items. Police said she failed to show a valid receipt for the grocery products valued at P11,911.75.
She was then brought to the Valencia CPS for investigation.
The woman remains in police custody while authorities determine the appropriate disposition of the case.
Bukidnon Police Provincial Director PCOL Oliver Sotto Navales ordered the Valencia CPS to conduct a thorough investigation.
Navales also urged residents to stay alert and report suspicious activities or threats to authorities.
“I encourage everyone to remain vigilant of their surroundings at all times and immediately report to the authorities anyone acting in a suspicious manner or anyone who threatens you in any way,” Navales said.
He also stressed the importance of community cooperation in keeping Bukidnon safe for residents and businesses.
“The cooperation and support of the community are the key to making Bukidnon a safe place to live and do business,” he added.
