MANILA, Philippines – Six Filipinos were caught on video stealing from a jewelry shop in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 6, according to an exclusive report of Erwin Tulfo for News5.
In two surveillance videos, the six were seen keenly observing the goings on inside a jewelry shop in Bangkok, and sending signals to each other.
At the opportune time, the leader of the gang opened the drawer where the jewelry were kept. Unknown to them, they were being watched by the security personnel in the establishment. They were barred as they were leaving the shop.
Arrested were Jessica dela Cruz, Percy Cornell, Lindo Fogatar, Zerkilia Sevilla, Ecuado Lazo and Evelyn Quinto, all purportedly businessmen in the Philippines.
Taken from the suspects were jewelry worth about 6 million baht or about P8 million.
Lt. Col. Sorakan Dumkrabi, chief investigator, said they have a witness who saw the crime which, in any case, was also caught on video.
"You cannot deny it. It's there. It's very strong evidence," said Consul General Edgar Badajos of the Philippine Embassy in Thailand.
In followup operations, Thai police authorities confiscated more jewelry stashed in the rooms of the six suspects.
Not only were they caught on video in the March 6 heist, other CCTV cameras also recorded the suspects stealing from other jewelry shops.
Four of the apprehended suspects have already admitted to the crime. The two female suspects have vehemently denied any involvement in the incident.
Thai authorities said that even if the six were allowed to post bail, they cannot leave Thailand while the case is still being heard.
If convicted, the suspects could be imprisoned from five to 10 years.
The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok said they cannot do anything but follow the laws of Thailand. They assured, however, that the rights of the Filipinos will be protected.