Authorities in Cebu have apprehended a woman accused of breaking into a priest's rented room and making off with nearly two hundred thousand pesos in cash donations. The swift arrest occurred in Minglanilla town late Wednesday night, January 14, 2026.
CCTV Footage Leads to Swift Identification
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Christine Amante Ababon from Sitio Ufeba, Barangay Bulacao in Cebu City, was caught in a follow-up operation just hours after the crime. According to the Minglanilla Police Station under Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, the theft was discovered around 5:30 p.m. when the priest returned to his room in Barangay Candulawan.
He found signs of forced entry and immediately reported that P199,300 was missing. The money consisted of collections from Misa de Gallo and New Year donations. Building management helped review security camera footage, which clearly captured the suspect's actions.
The Timeline of the Crime and Arrest
CCTV records showed Ababon entering the building's main gate at 4:44 p.m. She proceeded to the second floor, checked several rooms, and allegedly used picklock tools to breach the priest's door. After taking the cash, she fled toward Cebu City.
The video was shared on social media, where the suspect's image quickly went viral. By 10:00 p.m., the victim received information pinpointing Ababon's identity and address. A team led by case investigator Police Master Sergeant Antipuesto, with barangay officials, moved immediately.
Ababon was located and arrested at her residence in Barangay Bulacao at approximately 10:09 p.m.
Repeat Offender and Partial Recovery of Stolen Cash
During the investigation, police discovered that only P15,000 of the stolen money was recovered. The suspect had already spent the bulk of the cash on a brand-new motorcycle and a Bluetooth karaoke speaker.
Further probing revealed that Ababon is a repeat offender, with a history of allegedly committing similar thefts in the areas of Liloan, Mandaue City, and Badian town.
Lieutenant Colonel Macatangay noted that authorities believe the suspect could have targeted more victims during the upcoming Sinulog Grand Parade festivities if she had not been apprehended. The quick police action, aided by community tips and social media, prevented further potential crimes.
