THE woman whose video went viral last September 2024 for pickpocketing inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño was arrested in a buy-bust conducted by the Waterfront Police Station 3.
Arrested at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Sitio Laurente, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City, was Elma “Emang” Paraiso, 63, a resident of Ermita Proper, Cebu City.
Operatives from Waterfront Police Station 3 confiscated packets of shabu weighing five grams with a standard drug price of P34,000.
The seized items were turned over to the Cebu City Forensic Unit for chemical analysis.
The suspect admitted ownership of the illegal drugs and expressed relief at being arrested, saying she wanted to change her ways.
She said her children had long scolded her for her actions, especially after her viral video showed her stealing a cellphone from a woman praying at Santo Niño Church, which embarrassed her family.
She said she resorted to selling shabu to provide for her grandchild, who has health issues.
(That viral video at Santo Niño was me. My children were so angry and embarrassed because of it. That’s why I’m actually happy I got arrested now -- I want to change.)
The suspect will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165. (AYB)