Bystander returns P100,000; cited for exemplary honesty

BAGUIO CITY – A bystander here has been cited by a visiting tourist for his honesty after he returned P100,000, a cell phone and vital documents to her.

Grace Mercedes, a visiting businesswoman from Pampanga, narrated that she came over the weekend to this city for a business transaction in front of the Saint Louis University’s main gate on Bonifacio St. where she saw two bystanders.

When she boarded her car after finishing the transaction, she did not notice her bag containing the valuables fall off.

One of the two bystanders, whom Mercedes identified as Jaypo Vitales, noticed the bag, picked it up and tried to chase the speeding car, but to no avail.

Vitales, who eventually opened the bag and saw its contents, was not tempted by the big amount in it and picked up the cell phone, and called up Mercedes who was already in the Post Office Loop.

They agreed to meet at the place where Mercedes came from. A few minutes later, Vitales returned the bag with its all contents untouched.

Mercedes expressed her appreciation of the honesty shown by Vitales and his companions saying she will campaign in Pampanga for tourists to visit Baguio because the people have exemplary behavior. -- Dexter See