Dagupan Thief Says Sorry, Returns Wallet Without Cash
DAGUPAN CITY – A stolen wallet was returned to its owner — but without the cash inside. The theft took place on the evening of Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Barangay Mayombo.
Based on CCTV footage, a man was seen loitering outside a shoe store before entering through an unlocked door. He quickly grabbed a wallet that had been left on a sofa and left unnoticed. According to store employee Kier Ballesteros, they were unaware that the door had been left open, which allowed the suspect to enter easily. At the time, two female staff members were assisting customers at the front, while two male employees were at the back of the store.
The wallet belonged to a relative of the store owner and contained ₱3,000 in cash along with several ATM cards. Upon discovering the theft, the shop owner immediately sought help from barangay officials and the police. Authorities later identified the suspect as a resident of both Barangay 2 and Barangay 3. They approached the man and requested that he return at least the wallet and the ATM cards, even if the cash could not be recovered.
The following morning, Wednesday, the wallet was found placed inside a plastic bag in front of the store. Along with it was a handwritten note of apology from the suspect. In the letter, he admitted to taking the wallet out of extreme financial need and expressed deep remorse for his actions.
While the ATM cards were returned intact, the ₱3,000 in cash was missing. As of now, the police and barangay council have yet to release an official statement regarding the case.
The unusual gesture of returning the stolen wallet — along with an apology and admission of guilt — has sparked discussions within the community. Many were surprised by the suspect’s decision, viewing it as a sign of genuine regret and conscience. For some, the incident serves as a reminder that even in times of hardship, people can still choose to take responsibility and make amends for their mistakes.