A single father in Tabuk City who attempted to steal a box of infant milk formula was released from police custody after an officer stepped in to pay for the item, authorities confirmed Thursday.
The man, who had recently lost his job after a construction project ended, was intercepted by supermarket staff at Talavera Supermarket in Bulanao for taking a 1.725-kilogram box of Enfamil milk worth ₱3,185. He was brought to Sub-Station 2 of the Tabuk City Police Office.
Police said the father admitted he resorted to stealing out of desperation, explaining that he had no other way to feed his two-month-old baby. Investigators noted he has been raising the child alone after his wife left them.
Upon learning of his situation, Sub-Station 2 chief LtCol. Jack Angog personally paid for the milk to prevent the filing of theft charges and allow the man to go home with the formula.
In a statement, the Tabuk City police stressed that theft remains a crime but urged the public to balance accountability with understanding, saying people should “go beyond sympathy and to show genuine compassion toward those who are in desperate need and struggling in life.”
