Cebu bank guard wants to turn state witness in P9.4-M robbery

CEBU — The security guard of the Bogo branch of the Land Bank of the Philippines, already charged with robbery in band together with 11 other suspects in the P9.4-million heist in the bank last Aug. 2, now wants to become a government witness in the case.

Medardo Delemos, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regional director, said his office has recommended Henry Cuerda as state witness against the other suspects.

Delemos said the process, however, is not outright because it is up to the court to determine if Cuerda qualifies as a state witness.

So far, the NBI sees Cuerda as maybe the least guilty among the suspects, a matter that might make him qualify, he said.

Delemos said Cuerda’s testimony is vital in successfully prosecuting Joel Somabong, the suspected robbery leader, and his accomplices.

Cuerda told The Freeman that he really had no intention to join the Somabong group, saying he was forced to do so because they threatened to kill his family if he refused.

In his affidavit, Cuerda confessed his participation in the robbery, but said it was limited to giving Somabong information on the activities in the bank and the signal when to enter it.

As early last November, Cuerda said Somabong, Dindo Ancera and another companion recruited him to join their group by serving as their contact in the bank, adding that they met several times last June and July to hatch the robbery.

Hours before the heist, they met for a final briefing in Somabong’s house in Bogo town. Cuerda said Somabong instructed him to inform them as soon as the money arrived from the Asia Pacific Bank in Bantayan.

By 7:30 p.m., Cuerda said teller Veronica Co instructed him to put the money in the vault. But before doing so, he sent a text message to Somabong informing him that the time was ripe for them to enter the bank.

Moments later, Somabong, Ancero and their partner barged into the bank, subdued Cuerda and another guard, Rogelio Baterna, then executed the robbery. Their other cohorts waited inside the getaway vehicle parked outside the bank.

The NBI has indicted for robbery Cuerda, Somabong, Ancero, their partner, Joseph Ancajas, five unidentified men and one woman, and Ceferino Serbano, the owner of the getaway vehicle.

Cuerda and Ancajas are now detained at Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

The Landbank management has decided to revamp its security guards as soon as possible.

Landbank-Visayas manager Jose Mari Infante said the decision was reached during their meeting Friday night.

The bank’s contract with its present security agency will also be recalled, he said. — Freeman News Service