LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — A 27-year-old construction worker, identified as Alias “Choy,” was arrested on Sunday afternoon, January 4, after being caught stealing branded clothing from a department store in Brgy. Capantawan. This marks the third time the suspect has been apprehended for shoplifting in the past four months.

The incident occurred around 1:20 p.m. at Metro Gaisano Department Store. Security footage reportedly captured the suspect concealing a Macbeth T-shirt worth ₱699 and Jag Chino Shorts worth ₱1,199 in his clothing instead of paying for them. Security personnel intercepted him before leaving the store. Though he offered to pay for the items, valued at a total of ₱1,898, authorities took him into custody.

Police investigations revealed that Alias “Choy” had prior arrests in September 2025 at SM Department Store and in October 2025 at LCC Supermarket, establishing him as a habitual offender. He was brought to Legazpi City Hospital for medico-legal examination before being turned over to the police station. He is now facing shoplifting charges via inquest proceedings at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Brgy. Rawis.

The use of the term “Alias” instead of the full name in reports has raised questions among netizens. Authorities explained that this protects the suspect’s right to the presumption of innocence, ensures compliance with the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173), and follows police protocol to prevent trial by publicity or undue harm to the suspect’s family. While repeated offenses highlight the challenges of habitual criminal behavior, they also raise broader societal questions. Beyond arrest and prosecution, how can communities address the underlying causes that lead individuals to repeatedly commit crimes—poverty, lack of education, or social support—and prevent them from returning to the same destructive patterns? (Larawan: Legazpi City / PNP)