3 bizmen lose P1.7 million to burglars

CEBU, Philippines — Three businessmen, including two Korean nationals, lost over P1.7 million in cash to burglars Wednesday evening in Barangay Gabi, Cordova town, Cebu.

Burglars broke into three business establishments—a money changer, a fruit store, and an office, located in an eco-park in Barangay Gabi.

The two night shift security guards, who disappeared after the incident, are the prime suspects in the burglary. They were identified as Charlie Endaya, a native of Biliran in Samar,and Ernie Ornopia, a native of Leyte.

Cordova police went to the residence of the suspects but did not find them there.

The burglary was discovered by security guards who reported for work after the suspects’ shift, according to Senior Police Officer 1 Elizar Llanes, investigator of Cordova Police Station.

“Pag-abot sa incoming security guards kay natingala nalang sila nga wala na ilang girelibuhan niya ang nahabilin nalang didto kay ang ilang mga  pusil,” said Llanes.

During inspection, the guards found out that glass door of the money changer owned by Junhwan Park, 43, was already broken.

The owner later noticed that his vault was damaged and had been opened, with his P400,000 and 25,000 US dollars (P1.3 million based on yesterday’s exchange rate of P52 to one US dollar) cash all gone.

The burglars also carted away P25,000 in cash from the money changer’s adjacent office owned by a certain Laarni Jarabelo, 24.

The padlocked of the office’s main door was also damaged.

The fruit store, which sits several meters away from the two establishments, owned by another Korean national Junghan Kim, 37, was also burglarized. The suspects took cash amounting to P7,000.

Llanes said the suspects took advantage of the heavy downpour on Wednesday evening and successfully conducted the crime without getting the attention of residents nearby.

“Nakabantay daw sila (security guards) nga pag-adlawan daw adto kay sigi daw og libot ang mga suspects bisag wala’y tuyo,” said Llanes.

During a follow-up operation, Llanes said Endaya’s wife told the operatives that her husband called and informed her that he will be out of town.

But police did not find the suspects’ names in the passenger manifest bound for Samar at Pier 1 in Cebu City.

Llanes said the suspects left Cebu via other ports.

He said they have already coordinated with Samar police for the immediate arrest of the suspects, whom have pending arrest warrants for murder and robbery.

He said they are also investigating the security agency, the employer of the suspects.

“Ngano ila mang gidawat nga naa man diay ni mga pending nga kaso ang duha,” said Llanes.

Charges of qualified theft are being prepared against the suspects, Llanes said. —KBQ (FREEMAN)