MANILA, Philippines -- A pickpocket was arrested Saturday evening inside a mall in Mandaluyong City through the help of concerned citizens who witnessed the act, police said Sunday.

According to PO3 Jomer Puzon of the Mandaluyong City Police Station, Cesar Cayaon, 24, and his officemates were walking inside SM Megamall when his co-worker saw the man in front of them taking a wallet from a female's handbag at around 8:15 p.m.

Cayaon called the attention of the suspect, identified later as Brian Duque, 22, of Sampaloc, Manila, who suddenly threw the wallet to the floor.

The victim, Nova Pecadizo, 34, was unaware of the incident until her niece pointed to her wallet.

Cayaon immediately called assistance from mall security and apprehended Duque who was eventually brought to the Mandaluyong City Police station on charges of theft. (Carlo Suerte Felipe)