Mother-daughter “laslas-bag duo” arrested at Isabela Mall

Cauayan City, Isabela – Two women shopping inside a mall in Cauayan City, Isabela, on July 1, 2026, became victims of what is called "laslas-bag" scheme after suspects quietly targeted their belongings.

Fortunately, before the suspects could escape with the stolen money, the vigilance of a security guard led to their arrest.

Police identified the suspects as alias "Zen," 80, and her 44-year-old daughter, alias "Jen," both residents of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.

According to the police report, as cited by local media outlets, the incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. inside PRIMARK Town Center in Barangay San Juan Fermin, Cauayan City.

A security guard assigned to the establishment reportedly noticed the unusual movements of the two women while they were in the vegetable section.

Instead of confronting them immediately, the guard discreetly monitored their actions from an elevated position to confirm his suspicions. Moments later, he allegedly saw Jen slicing open the handbag of one of the victims, identified only as "Letty."

The guard immediately intercepted Jen and confronted her. Police said she denied the accusation and attempted to flee but was stopped by a concerned citizen before she could escape.

When Letty checked her belongings, she discovered that her handbag had been slashed. Another victim, identified only as "Arcy," later realized that her wallet containing ₱1,000 in cash was missing.

The security marshal then directed the victims to police officers from the Cauayan Component City Police Station, who were conducting Tambuli operations near the mall.

Authorities recovered four Durco stainless steel blades from Jen, which were allegedly used to discreetly cut open bags without alerting their owners.

Meanwhile, the missing ₱1,000 cash was recovered from Zen, the suspects' mother.

How the 'laslas-bag' modus works

Investigators explained that laslas-bag is a theft scheme in which offenders use razor blades or other sharp objects to silently slit open handbags or backpacks before stealing cash and other valuables.

Because the cuts are made while victims are distracted—often while shopping or walking through crowded places—the suspects can take valuables without immediately being noticed.

The modus is commonly reported in shopping malls, public markets, and transport terminals, where large crowds make it easier for thieves to operate unnoticed.

Linked to other theft cases

As the investigation progressed, police discovered that the two suspects are also being investigated for their alleged involvement in a series of similar theft incidents in several provinces.

Authorities have yet to determine the full extent of their alleged activities as coordination with other police units continues.

The suspects are now under the custody of the Cauayan Component City Police Station and are facing appropriate criminal charges.