This is the moment a couple's bag was stolen while they were taking selfies in a temple in the Philippines.

The South Korean tourists were admiring the Roman and Greek-inspired architecture when they were surrounded by a gang of thieves posing as visitors at the Temple of Leah in Cebu.

CCTV footage from April 6 shows the unsuspecting visitors placing their bag next to containing 350,000 PHP (6,000 USD) and 90 USD in cash next to a pillar at the popular tourist site, also dubbed the 'Taj Mahal of Cebu'.

Within moments, the gangsters converged on the area, pretending to mill about as they eyed the handbag.

They monitored the couple's movements from behind the column before swooping in and swiping the purse off the floor. They were seen striding out of the temple while the couple were still busy taking selfies.

The distraught tourists reported the theft to staff after finding their valuables missing. They were due to fly back home that evening, but were forced to stay in the country as they were left stranded without their passports.

A police spokesman said: 'We believe there are eight suspects involved. They fled the scene in two taxis. Taxi operators in the area are co-operating in police investigations. The Korean tourists have filed a report with the police.'

The Temple of Leah was built by wealthy local businessman Teodorico Adarna as a shrine to his late wife Leah. The 500,000 square metre property now houses Leah's collection of vases, ceramic statues, books, and souvenirs.