A 24-year-old man was arrested in Antipolo, Rizal, after stealing 12 cellphones from a neighborhood store, thanks to his mother, who surrendered him to authorities. The incident, caught on CCTV, has drawn attention for the mother’s emotional but firm decision.

The theft occurred at dawn on Tuesday in Sitio Maagay Uno, Barangay Inarawan, where the suspect was seen fleeing with a plastic bag containing the stolen phones. The store, which rents out cellphones to children for online classes and social media use, reported losses amounting to more than P60,000.

Victims immediately sought help from barangay officials, who identified the suspect. Sitio Chairman Ferdie Palomar confirmed the man’s history of petty theft, saying, “Mayroon na siyang history na may kalikutan ang kamay.”

When police went to the suspect’s home, his mother voluntarily turned him in. Tearfully, she explained, “Yun ang dapat gawin ng isang magulang. Naiiyak ako eh. Naaawa ako sa anak ko. Sa mga kaibigan niya, sana tulungan nila ang kaibigan nila, na umamin sila, apat sila eh.”

Barangay records revealed the suspect had previously stolen liquor, soft drinks, and recyclables. Palomar urged others involved to surrender, warning, “Kung kasabwat kayo sa ganitong klaseng offense, sumuko na kayo.”

The suspect admitted to the crime, saying he sold the phones in Marikina for just P500 each. “(Dahil sa) kahirapan ng buhay. Pasensya na po sa aking nagawa,” he said.

He is now detained at the Antipolo Police Community Precinct 2 custodial facility and faces theft charges as the investigation continues.