A 36-year-old mother's desperate attempt to secure medicine for her sick child ended in arrest after she was caught stealing cigarettes from a neighborhood store in Cebu City during the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025.
Desperate Act for Sick Child
The suspect, identified only as alias Joana, was apprehended around 1:30 AM after breaking into a sari-sari store in Taboan, Barangay San Nicolas Proper. According to initial investigation by the Sawang Calero Police Station, Joana destroyed the store's door to access the merchandise inside.
Police officers caught the mother red-handed carrying five reams of cigarettes that she had taken from the establishment. The store owner, who happened to be Joana's neighbor, was the one who reported the crime and pressed charges against her.
Confession Reveals Previous Incident
During questioning, Joana confessed to the crime and revealed this was actually her second burglary at the same store. She admitted that during her first break-in on Saturday, November 15, she had successfully stolen 14 reams of cigarettes.
The mother explained that she sold the stolen cigarettes for P1,000 per ream, earning P14,000 total from the initial theft. She used this money specifically to purchase medicine for her 4-year-old daughter who was suffering from an illness.
Companion Escapes Arrest
Police reports indicated that Joana was not alone during the November 17 incident. Her 41-year-old husband accompanied her during the burglary attempt but managed to escape before authorities could apprehend him.
This case highlights the extreme measures some parents might take when facing medical emergencies and financial hardship. The incident has sparked discussions in the local community about the challenges faced by families struggling to afford healthcare.
Joana now faces criminal charges for burglary and theft, while police continue their search for her husband who remains at large following the failed theft attempt.
