Noting that his arrest had been broadcast on national television, an admitted swindler said, “At least it’s not a shame, because I didn’t steal small amounts.”

Three weeks after his arrest the suspect nabbed by the police in Talisay City, Negros Occidental for allegedly stealing millions in cash and valuables from different families in the province, yesterday admitted the crimes.

Jonathan Tomacruz, 27, alias Michael Contreras, who is due for transfer from Police Station 3 to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Brgy. Handumanan, said he had indeed stolen money and properties from several people within three months.

Tomacruz, who claims to be from Pasay City, Metro Manila, said poverty pushed him into illegal activities, that included stealing about P2 million in cash and valuables from at least 12 families from Bacolod and other areas in the province.

SPO2 Nilo Sumagaysay, Police Station 3 investigation section chief, said they will transfer Tomacruz to the BJMP as soon as the court orders it.

Two arrest warrants for theft from Iloilo City have been served on Tomacruz and the police are waiting for several other warrants, also for theft, to be handed down by the Bacolod courts against him, Sumagaysay said.

The warrants from Iloilo show that Tomacruz has been stealing since 2006, Sumagaysay said.

Tomacruz, who said that he used to work for a tire manufacturer in Japan, was arrested along with his girlfriend, Sheila Luable, by a police team led by Chief Inspector Leonardo Borromeo, in Brgy. Bubog, Talisay City, in the province, on March 13.

Luable, a former Silay City Miss Tourism title-holder, posted bail two days after their arrest.

At least 10 complainants from Bacolod have identified Tomacruz and Luable as the ones who stole their money and properties by tricking their house helpers that they are their relatives.*PP

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