Vietnamese man cries after recovering backpack containing late son’s funeral money

Mai Anh Tu, head of Huong Phung Commune’s police agency, on Wednesday confirmed that officers had completed verification and handed back the money and belongings to the rightful owner.

The incident began around 7:30 pm last Friday, when two local residents Ho Van Chuong, 38, and Ho Van Van, 47, found a school backpack lying on the road between Khe Van Bridge and Huong Linh Hamlet while returning from work.

When they checked the backpack, they found VND24.9 million in cash and various personal belongings.

The two men promptly reported the discovery to local police.

The following morning, Chuong went to the commune’s police station and handed over all the belongings he had found.

Police then worked with local forces responsible for maintaining security and public order to identify the owner.

At about 9:00 am the same day, Ho Van Hoa, 72, went to the police station to report that he had lost a backpack containing cash.

Hoa explained that after his family held a funeral for his son, he collected condolence donations and savings totaling nearly VND25 million ($955).

Because his home was not secure, he carried the money with him whenever he traveled. Unfortunately, he dropped the backpack during a trip.

Police confirmed Hoa was the rightful owner and returned all the money and belongings.

Overcome with emotion, Hoa admitted he had been deeply worried and blamed himself for the loss.

When informed that the items had been found, he cried with relief.

After receiving his property, Hoa wrote a letter thanking Huong Phung Commune’s police agency and the two residents for their honesty and assistance.