A 23-year-old supermarket bagger found himself in police custody after being caught stealing a box of condoms from the mall where he worked in Cebu City.
Caught During Routine Security Check
The incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at a mall located in the North Reclamation Area, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City. The suspect, identified only by the alias Jay, is a resident of Panagdait, Barangay Kasambagan in the same city.
According to reports, Jay had just finished his duty and was about to exit the mall premises. As part of the standard security protocol for employees, he was subjected to a routine inspection by mall guards. It was during this check that the guards discovered an unpaid item in his possession.
Curiosity Leads to a Costly Mistake
The confiscated item was a box of Durex Fetherlite condoms valued at P387.75. The package was found in his pocket, and it was confirmed that he had not paid for it at the cashier. This led to his immediate apprehension and turnover to the Mabolo Police Station.
During questioning, Jay fully admitted to the act. He explained his motive was simple curiosity. He stated he had never used such a product before and wanted to try it. He claimed he took the box believing it was no longer fit for sale because it looked old and the packaging appeared nearly torn.
Mall Management Takes a Firm Stance
Despite Jay's apologies and admission, the mall's management is standing firm on pursuing legal action. A company representative emphasized that they will not tolerate any form of theft, regardless of the item's value or size.
The management stressed that such acts constitute a breach of trust and an abuse of the confidence placed in employees. Their decision to file a case serves as a strict reminder of their zero-tolerance policy against pilferage and dishonesty in the workplace.
