Filipina Domestic Helper Fined For Taking Items Without Paying It Inside A Store in Hong Kong

No matter what the reason, taking things that are not yours is against the law.

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A Filipino domestic helper had to suffer the consequence of her actions after she was caught stealing in HongKong.

According to reports, a certain Mercedes C.O was fined $1,200 after she was caught taking clothes from a popular store along Causeway Bay.

The suspect also admitted into stealing a pair of jeans and jacket from a Uniqlo branch at Lee Theatre Plaza along Percival Street.

“Yes, aminado po ako (Yes, I admit it),” says Mercedes in front of Eastern Presiding Magistrate Peter Law last November 5.

According to the prosecutor, the stealing incident happened last October 21, around 11:45 in the morning. The security guard saw the suspect taking clothes and immediately placed it on her arm.

She was also seen covering the stolen items with her own jacket before leaving the store. However, the alarm rang, alerting the guards that immediately confronted the woman.

“Pasensya. Pasensya sa aking pagkakamali,” says Mercedes to the police who arrested her. Mercedes also didn’t confirm if she only forgot to pay the items.

Mercedes, who only worked for two employers in the past 31 years, earns $4,400 but she sends almost everything to her daughter who studies hotel and restaurant management in the Philippines.

“Her daughter’s education is so expensive,” says the lawyer. “She stole the items out of greed and for her own use. She’s very remorseful and promises not to offend again,” he added.

Mercedes’ bail costs $700 and it will be deducted from the $1,200 fine that she needs to pay for two months.