Guard foils Binondo bank heist

MANILA, Philippines - A security guard of a bank in Binondo, Manila foiled an attempt by four men to rob the bank Friday morning, the Manila Police District (MPD) said yesterday.

Acting on the guard’s call to the MPD, Station 11 police officers, led by Superintendent Alex Navarette, positioned themselves outside the bank and arrested alleged “Waray-Waray” gang members Rene Guzman, 33; Juanito Ozabel, 42; Eddie Batac, 33; and Rolando Ozabel, 35.

Navarette told The STAR that the guard, identified only as “Castillo,” called their office shortly after 10 a.m., telling them four armed men were casing the bank, located on Jaboneros street.

Police officers recovered three handguns and a motorcycle the suspects used.

During interrogation, the suspects admitted they were about to rob the bank, Navarette said.

Inspector Rey Tan said they will file charges of attempted robbery and illegal possession of firearms against the suspects.