Security tightened at the Capitol after ‘carnapping’

CEBU, Philippines -  The Capitol is now beefing up its security following the incident Monday noon in which the vehicle owned by the son of the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. was stolen inside the Capitol compound.

Bobby Legaspi, Capitol’s chief security officer, said security guards have been instructed to stay in particular areas within the compound instead of going around.

He added that they are also planning to upgrade the closed-circuit television system as requested by Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III earlier this year.

Last Monday, a brand new Ford Ranger owned by Leodegreco “Greco” Sanchez was reportedly carnapped inside the compound.

Greco said the incident possibly happened when he was having a meeting with his sister, Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, inside the Legislative Building.

He narrated that after the meeting, he went out the building and headed to his car, which he parked just a few meters away from the entrance of the building. But Greco said he was surprised that it was already gone.

Even though security guards were detailed near the parking space, the crime went unnoticed and left no traces.

The new vehicle only bares a conduction sticker number (0261) since it is not yet registered.

Legaspi said he already turned over the copies of the CCTV footage to the National Bureau of Investigation, Fuente Police Station, and Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol-7 for investigation.

Legaspi, however, refused to give details pending investigation but disclosed that the “stolen” vehicle was captured entering and exiting the Capitol compound.

“We cannot update on the status because we are still collecting information. We did not see the driver,” he told reporters, adding that the vehicle’s glass and windows are tinted.  — (FREEMAN)