Doctor loses P.6M jewelry to burglar

CEBU, Philippines- A doctor allegedly lost at least P600,000 worth of jewelry to an unknown person who broke into her clinic at the North General Hospital in Barangay San Jose, Cebu City last Saturday.

Dr. Irene Esplanada, 50, a native of Butuan City, told the police that she lost her wedding ring, engagement ring, and other pieces of jewelry with an estimated total amount of P600,000.

The security guard of the hospital reported the alleged burglary to the Talamban Police Station. Police investigators believe that the incident may be an “inside job.”

Initial investigation revealed that the unknown burglar allegedly gained entry at the sliding window of room number 8 of the Medical Arts Building. The burglar passed through the ceiling to reach room number 9 where Esplanada is holding clinic.

Senior Inspector Alvin Llamedo, officer-in-charge of Talamban Police Station, said further investigation will be conducted. He is set to meet with the victim today.

“It’s not that we doubt the victim. We are just trying to verify everything,” said Llamedo.

According to him, he went to check the area and found not traces of burglary. Llamedo said room number 8 was also located across the information desk where the security guards are posted.

 “If his intention was to steal, why was it that there were no reports of any lost item from the doctors in room number 8? His target must be the victim’s (Esplanada) room. He must have an idea already where it was located,” said Llamedo.

Llamedo said they are considering “inside job” in the reported burglary.

“Dili man sa ingon nga sure na gyud ta nga naa’y inside job pero kung imong timbang-timbangon, mura og mas dako ang posibilidad nga naa gyu’y inside job,” said Llamedo.

The building did not have a closed-circuit television camera.

Meanwhile, a suspected shoplifter was injured after he was accidentally shot by the security guard of a convenience store he was shoplifting with in Barangay Kalubihan, Cebu City.

Jun Rodolp Auza, 26, of Talisay City, is now recuperating at the Cebu City Medical Center. He sustained gunshot wound at the right side of his body after trying to grab the service firearm of security guard Rolando Sebelleta.

Sebelleta chased Auza after he allegedly stole cologne spray, bath soap, and chewing gum, all worth P426. However, Auza tried to resist arrest and grabbed the caliber .38 revolver of the guard resulting in a scuffle. The gun accidently went off hitting Auza in the body.

Auza was rushed to the hospital while Sebelleta turned himself in at the Carbon Police Station where he is now  detained. (FREEMAN)