A thief tried to make a “mano po” gesture to a senior citizen after she woke up during his criminal activity at her sari-sari store in Mandaluyong City.
According to reports, the man stole the mobile phone of 71-year-old Raynalda Serdoncillo, who had been sleeping when he and another suspect entered her store in Barangay Daang Bakal on the morning of November 15.
Facebook user Jhoanna Tutanes shared CCTV footage of the incident, showing Raynalda sleeping while the suspects were inside her sari-sari store.
At one point, one of the thieves tried to grab the cash box resting on the arm of the couch above Raynalda’s head, but was interrupted when someone passed by and began singing.
At the 0:53 mark of the video, the thief grabbed Raynalda’s hand as she woke up, attempting a “mano po” gesture.
“Bigla akong nagising, nakita ko na lang ‘yung mama, nakaupo rito, magmamano siya, sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Anak ng, sino ka?!’ Tapos, bigla siyang lumabas,” she said in an interview.
Jhoanna, who shared a snippet of the CCTV footage, warned fellow Filipinos about the thief and urged them to lock their doors.
She also advised people not to entertain anyone claiming to ask for money in Raynalda’s name, stressing that Raynalda’s mobile phone had been stolen.
Meanwhile, the suspect’s attempted “mano po” gesture caught the attention of Filipinos, many of whom shared their reactions in the comments section.
“Ngayon pa ako nakakita ng magnanakaw na mabait at magalang, sana all, tularan ng mga criminals,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Bilis mag-isip,” another commented.
“Namamasko po!!!” a different Pinoy exclaimed.
“Magnanakaw na may manners,” another commented with a laughing emoji.
The “mano po” is a traditional Filipino gesture of respect for elders and a way to ask for their blessing. It involves bowing to the elder, taking their hand, and pressing it to one’s forehead while saying, “Mano po.”
Meanwhile, the police learned that the suspect is a notorious thief residing in Barangay Addition Hills. Authorities reportedly visited his house but were unable to locate him.
The barangay has since tightened security in the area while the search for the suspect continues.
“Patuloy po ‘yung aming roving sa aming area of responsibility, round the clock,” Barangay Daang Bakal Executive Officer Avelino Santos said.
