BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – Around P255,000 in cash and valuables were carted away from a house in Barangay Poblacion South, Oton, Iloilo.
The robbery was discovered by the victim, 75-year-old Leopoldo Palma, a clinical laboratory scientist working in the United States, upon his return yesterday, January 3.
Oton police said the primary person of interest was the recently hired houseboy of Palma.
The houseboy, whose name was withheld, was hired in November 2024 through social media and was left in charge of Palma’s residence while the latter traveled abroad on December 26.
Lieutenant Colonel Abner Jordan of the Oton Municipal Police Station said the houseboy sent a message two days later claiming he needed to leave due to an emergency.
Jordan added that the caretaker, who only stayed during the day, was ruled out as a suspect due to a longstanding relationship with Palma.
Further investigation revealed irregularities in the houseboy’s credentials, including the use of multiple aliases on his bio-data and resume, raising questions about his true identity.
Jordan said the houseboy has since blocked all communication with Palma.
Officers of the Oton police station were intensifying their investigation as of this writing to locate the houseboy.
It also cautioned homeowners against hiring domestic workers through online platforms.
“You should always prioritize safety by conducting thorough background checks and relying on reputable hiring agencies,” Jordan added./PN
