Makati cops reveal security lapse at mall

Members of the Makati police force could only shake their heads as they tried to comprehend how an armed robber and hostage taker was able to enter a premier shopping center in the city with supposedly tight security.

"Obviously, there was a mistake somewhere in their security. Perhaps they did not know someone can hide a gun in his shoe," said case investigator, Police Officer (PO) 2 Rickymel Cruz of the Makati police theft and robbery section.

It was exactly what suspect Aries Patolot, 29, of Countryside Village, Pasig, did when he tried to rob an employee of Sanry’s Money Changer at Glorietta 4 last Thursday.

Ironically, Cruz said, off-duty policemen are not allowed to bring their service firearms inside the malls.

"What if they have to respond to emergencies like this?" Cruz said.

For Ayala Center’s part, Raul Irlanda, vice president of Ayala Land, said the malls’ security guards "have been instructed to be thorough and deliberate" in their work after the incident.

The security guards will still continue to use their metal detectors and frisk visitors at the various mall entrance.

The robbery incident came as the takeover of Oakwood Premier luxury apartments by a band of young rogue soldiers was still fresh on people’s minds.

Patolot was charged with robbery with hold up, serious illegal detention, and malicious mischief yesterday before the city prosecutor’s office, said Cruz.

Patolot was set to be transferred to the city jail in Fort Bonifacio.

Cruz added that Patolot’s relatives said he was a former religion teacher.

Moreover, it was apparent that the suspect came from a middle class family and his wife had a well-paying job, Cruz said.

"When he was asked why he tried to get the money, he said he was just desperate. He didn’t elaborate anymore," Cruz said.

At around 11 a.m. on Thursday, Patolot, at gunpoint, took P4 million in different foreign currencies from a counter checker of Sanry’s.

When the victim called for help, Patolot took a young female student hostage, pointing the gun to her head.

The suspect also smashed the window of a taxi cab when its driver refused to use it as a getaway vehicle.

Responding police officers said they would give the suspect a getaway vehicle only if he drops his gun.

Patolot complied and released the girl. Police immediately jumped on the suspect and arrested him.