'Tunnel robbers' hit Batangas bank

BATANGAS  ,Philippines – Robbers broke into the Lipa City branch of the Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) here by gaining entry through its drainage.

 Chief Inspector Ferdinand Ancheta, Lipa deputy police chief, said police discovered a hole in the ground, which the thieves supposedly used to enter the bank over the weekend.

“The robbers possibly entered the bank Friday night and worked the whole weekend since there was no office work and guard on duty at that time” Ancheta said. 

Scene of the Crime Operatives and members of the Lipa City Engineering Office, who opened the drainage system of the bank found footprints and empty water bottles. 

Occupants on the upper floor of the bank said they heard noises at the lower ground floor since December but ignored it.

 A cigarette vendor near the bank said she also noticed smoke coming out from the drainage but likewise ignored it. 

Senior Superintendent Rosauro Acio, Batangas police director, said investigators and bank officials have yet to determine the amount of cash and equipment carted away by the suspects.

Initial investigation showed that bank security guards Reynaldo Boa and Don-Don Bayawa sought the help of the police after they discovered that a baton placed at the entrance door of the bank at around 8 a.m.