Simple Theft

A thieve entered our house late at night. He is a minor (16 years old). My brother caught him but he was able to run away.  He then decided to give back the jewelries that he stole, he asked our neighbor, who happens to be passing by, to give it back but some of the jewelries were missing.

The morning after he was caught by the barangay's police and he confessed to what he did. He also mentioned the names of his accomplices (also minors). However, he said that he gave everything back. We went to DSWD as they are minors.

The neighbor was also called and all of them (except the accomplice who is just 14 years old) were imprisoned for a few days. They were inquested in Taytay but the fiscal told us that the case is weak. After the inquisition, the neighbor confessed that she did not give back the missing jewelries and she already pawned it. The necklace was retrieved but the earrings are still missing.

Was the case really weak? Also, they said that they posted bail but we were not notified, is that really how it is? What happens now? We really want the case to push through as these people are notorious thieves and addict.

So they gave it back, but your neighbor pawned the jewelry? She should be charged with anti-fencing and estafa.

Prosecutors will decide based on what evidence was presented. If they filed bail, then shouldn't it have been that the case was filed in court? or do you mean the case was referred for further investigation and they were released? No, you do not have to be notified.

We are not really sure. The Fiscal did not say anything just that the case is weak. We are not even sure if it was dismissed or not. The neighbor's family said she paid 3,000 to the chief of police. What should we do next? We really want the case to push through. Your reply will be greatly appreciated.

determine the status at the prosecutor's office first, whether there will be a preliminary investigation.