MANILA, Philippines - Thieves plagued anew the military’s headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, supposed to be one of the most secured places in the country.
Thieves stole last Wednesday laptops, computer tablets, jewelry and cash from security aides and support staff of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa.
AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the incident happed between 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. at the barracks of drivers, utility men and enlisted personnel. The area is located behind the “White House,” the official residence of Dellosa.
The burglars took two iPads, two laptops, jewelry and an undetermined amount of cash. At least two soldiers complained that they lost some of their valuables after waking up that day.
“We are not sure whether perpetrator or perpetrators opened the lockers of personal belongings and effects of the personnel in the barracks,” Burgos said.
The incident marked the 16th time thieves stole the belongings of soldiers in Camp Aguinaldo since January.
Burgos said about 20 persons who were in the area during the incident are being investigated by the military police and the Quezon City Police District.
“All personnel at the time of the incident were subjected to finger printing. We are doing everything to solve the case,” he said.
Burgos said initial investigations point to an “inside job because the security in Camp Aguinaldo is strict, more so in that area which is near the quarters of the chief of staff.”
When asked if heads will roll because of the incident, Burgos said: “It depends on the results of the investigation. Let’s not jump into conclusion. We are still investigating.”
He reminded the soldiers and employees based in Camp Aguinaldo to remain vigilant and to keep a close eye on their belongings.
On June 16, car thieves stole a green Mazda 323 model owned by a colonel assigned to the AFP Dental Service. The vehicle was recovered in Angat, Bulacan three days later.
Other items that were stolen in the camp recently include cash, mobile phones, wallets, camera, and a desktop computer.
Last July, authorities nabbed three former members of the “Bahala na Gang” who are believed to be behind the recent burglaries.