Robbers strike at House of Representatives

A senior administration congressman lost his woth P100,000 silver Macintosh Powerbook laptop inside his office at the House of Representatives Thursday last week, which prompted him to urge the Legislative Security Bureau to conduct an investigation.

Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco urged his colleagues to bring their valuables with them since leaving them inside their office is not an assurance that robbers will not break in, even if the 16-hectare Batasan Complex is now being secured by the elite PNP-SAF with K-9 dogs.

“It’s not theft, it’s robbery. This is not the first time that robbers entered through the ceiling. If these suspects are not caught, there will be other victims,” he said, calling on LSB chief Lt. Col. Isabelito Flores to finish the probe the soonest time possible.

“They (House security) already have some suspects. This syndicate must be broken,” Cuenco said. “I urge my fellow congressmen not to leave their valuables here because they are not safe here. You (lawmakers) should bring them home,” the lawmaker warned.

Noreen Gonzaga, Cuenco’s supervising political affairs officer, said they have already reported the incident to Station 6 (Batasan) of the Quezon City Police District last Monday. Police say it was not the first time robbers barged in the offices in the Mitra Building.

She ruled out speculations the laptop may have been brought out by a member of their staff, noting that it’s power supply and battery were even left behind. “Hindi naman ganun katanga ang staff para iiwan iyun. Pero malamang taga-rito kasi nakapasok sa compound.”