BOGO HEIST: Bank guard wants to turn state witness

The security guard of Land Bank-Bogo branch, already charged with robbery in band together with 11 other suspects in the P9.4-million bank heist last August 2, is now applying to become a government witness on the case.

National Bureau of Investigation regional director Medardo Delemos said his office has recommended Henry Cuerda to be a state witness against the other suspects.

Delemos said the process, however, is not outright because it is up to the court to determine if Cuerda qualifies as state witness. So far, the NBI sees Cuerda as maybe the least guilty among the suspects, a matter that might make him qualify, he said.

The NBI official also said that Cuerda's testimony is very vital in prosecuting successfully Joel Somabong, the suspected robbery leader, and his accomplices, said Delemos.

Cuerda, in an interview with The FREEMAN, said he really had no intention to join the Somabong group but he was forced to do so because they threatened to kill his family if he refused.

In his affidavit, Cuerda confessed his participation in the robbery but it was limited to giving Somabong information on the activities in the bank, and the signal when to enter the bank.

As early as November last year, Somabong, Dindo Ancera, and another companion recruited him to join their group by serving as their contact in the bank, said Cuerda adding that they met several times in June and July to hatch the robbery.

Hours before the robbery, they met for a final briefing at the house of Somabong in Bogo. Cuerda said Somabong instructed him to inform them as soon as the money arrives from Asia Pacific Bank in Bantayan. By 7:30 pm, Cuerda said teller Veronica Co instructed him to put the money in the vault. But before doing so, he texted Somabong first informing that the time was rife for them to enter the bank.

Moments later, Somabong, Ancero and their partner barged into the bank, subdued Cuerda and another guard Rogelio Baterna, then executed the robbery. The other robbery group members waited inside the getaway vehicle parked outside the bank.

The NBI has indicted for robbery Cuerda, Somabong, Ancero, their partner, Joseph Ancajas, unidentified five men and one woman, and Ceferino Serbano, the owner of the vehicle. Cuerda and Ancajas are now detained at Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

As this developed, the Land Bank management has decided to revamp its security guards as soon as possible. LBP-Visayas manager Jose Mari Infante yesterday said decision was reached during their meeting the other night. The bank's contract with the security agency would also be recalled, he said.- Fred P. Languido