Investigation by the Manila police revealed that the suspects in late Monday’s robbery at the corner of Guerrero and Remedios streets in Ermita managed to cart away some P2 million in cash that belongs to the Chinese Embassy.
One security escort of Allied Bank wounded in the incident was identified as Richard Jacoba. Jacoba was shot in the back after attemping to run back to Royal Plaza hotel where he and other bank employees took the money from the Chinese Embassy’s media office located at its 10th floor.
The bank personnel had just reportedly emerged from the hotel about 3:30 p.m. when at least three robbers, armed with pistols, stopped them on their way to a waiting armored van. One guard reportedly disarmed the hotel security guard as another accosted Jacoba and an unidentified bank teller. One more suspect reportedly grabbed the duffle bag containing the money.
The suspects escaped on board two motorcycles toward Roxas Boulevard. Police are still investigating how the suspects knew of such delivery.
Ermita police station commander Supt. Gorgonio Rosero could not be immediately reached for comment regarding the incident. – Jose Aravilla