Guard surfaces, denies role in mall robbery

MANILA, Philippines - The missing security guard tagged in the P550,000 heist at the Robinson’s East Mall in Pasig City last month has surfaced and denied any participation in the robbery.

Ronualdo Magno of the Corporate Protection Service Inc. (CORPS) on Tuesday appeared at the office of Superintendent Alfredo Calamaan, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Pasig City police.

Magno was allowed to go home after promising Cala­maan to make himself available for investigation once he is needed.

Calamaan has yet to submit Magno’s statements and tactical interrogation reports to Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel.

Superintendent Remus Medina, EPD intelligence head, said they received information that Magno was seen drinking with the suspects in Parañaque City hours after the robbery took place last June 22.

Magno, however, denied this.

But a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed Magno, who was assigned to guard the mall’s back door, not frisking those who entered the mall prior to the robbery.