Suspects return stolen items in Makati, keep only wallet

Authorities are investigating an unusual robbery at a Japanese restaurant in Makati City after suspects returned nearly all of the items they initially stole, keeping only one wallet containing cash, police said Sunday.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has called the case “abnormal,” with officials questioning the motives behind the incident.

“This is far from a typical robbery scenario,” NCRPO Chief Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said in Filipino during a radio interview. “Watches, designer bags, and jewelry were initially taken but were all returned. Only one wallet, secretly pocketed by one of the suspects, was never handed back.”

According to Aberin, the robbery was caught on CCTV and involved two suspects, one of whom wore a ride-hailing service uniform. Witnesses reported the pair entered the restaurant, seized high-value items, and then returned them without confrontation.

“The partner didn’t seem to notice the wallet being taken,” said Aberin. “When they left, they even apologized to the diners, saying, ‘Sir, Ma’am, sorry, we didn’t take anything.’ That puzzles us more.”

"We’re now looking at whether the suspects intended to intimidate,” he added.

Investigators noted the suspects appeared to target a group of foreign diners, believed to be Japanese nationals, while Filipino customers were left alone.

“That angle is also being investigated,” said Aberin.

While the case is still classified as robbery, police said the suspects’ behavior and the selective nature of the theft differ from conventional motives.

“If the intent was purely theft, they would have taken everything, including the cash at the counter. But they returned nearly all of it,” Aberin said.

Police are also verifying whether the man in the ride-hailing uniform has any legitimate connection to the company. Aberin said the motorcycle used in the crime bore a license plate not registered with the service.

The investigation remains ongoing.