Widower loses P900T to burglars

CEBU, Philippines - About P900,000 cash was allegedly carted away by three unidentified burglars last Saturday morning in Barangay Pandacan, Pinamungajan.

The cash which was placed inside the cabinet of Alfonso Pama Birao, 81, widower, was reportedly stolen by two unidentified men and one female who were reportedly wearing bonnets.

Birao reportedly noticed loud thuds which prompted him to wake up and check. He even saw the burglars and asked what they were doing but one of the burglars reportedly took a hard object and hit Birao in the left arm which caused him minor injury.

The burglars immediately ran outside the house, through the back door, right after the incident.

The cash was said to have been proceeds of the parcel of land owned by Birao’s wife, which was sold for P2 million last year.

Sr. Insp. Almirante Bacayo, Pinamungajan police chief, suspected that the burglars could be someone who knew Birao well.

Based on the ocular inspection, Bacayo said there was no forced entry during the incident.

“Dako gyud na nga pangutana kung asa agi kay walay forced entry, (The question here is how the burglars entered considering that there were no signs of forced entry.)” Bacayo told The FREEMAN.

But this was contrary to Birao’s claim that burglars used a knife in opening the back door of the house.

Bacayo further said that Birao last checked his money on January 5.

“Wala pud niya giihap ug pila gyud ang exact amount, (He did not check the exact amount.)” Bacayo said.

Police are still investigating the incident to identify the perpetrators and file appropriate charges.

“Sa among tan-aw giunay ra ni kay dalo man kuno ni matud pa ngadto, (We are looking into the possibility that he was victimized by somebody he knows because we received reports that he is selfish.)” Bacayo said.  (FREEMAN)