Police eye 3 rob gangs in Consolacion heist

CEBU, Philippines - Three possible groups were identified by the police as the ones responsible in the Phoenix gas station robbery in Consolacion Monday afternoon wherein a security guard was killed.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador said they are eyeing the Mindanao group and local boys as possible culprits. He said they have already leads but refused to give details.

Comendador said they are still tracing the modus operandi and the strategies of the group such as the methods of their operation, types of firearms used and possible targets.

Provincial Investigation Detection and Management Branch and the Provincial Intelligence Branch are also helping the Consolacion police in the investigation. Even the Theft and Robbery Section of the Cebu City Police Office is helping the investigation by giving information to Consolacion police.

TRS chief Bonifacio Graciano they are comparing notes with Consolacion police because it appears that the culprits are the same people who have robbed several salesmen in Cebu City and Mandaue City.

Bonifacio said like in Consolacion, the robbers who preyed on salesmen also used black XRM motorcycle, wear black jackets, and bonnets, and use KG-9 pistols.

In Cebu City alone, there were already six salesmen reported to have been robbed since January. Not a single suspect was arrested.

Comendador however believes that the robbers in Consolacion were not professionals.

“Kung professional walay binirahay possible nakalitan sila sa sitwasyon,” he said.

The robbers killed security guard Rolie Broca before fleeing with P150,000 cash from the cashier. The two unidentified robbers fled towards Mandaue City.

Following last Monday’s robbery, a PNP detachment with eight personnel will be established at the boundaries of Liloan and Mandaue City.

Comendador has also advised the owners of gasoline stations and financial institutions in Cebu province to reposition their closed-circuit television camera where it can capture views in a wider range. – (FREEMAN)