Over P10M jewels, cash stolen from Dipolog pawnshop, motorbike shop

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - Four unidentified robbers carted away more than P10-million worth of jewelry, cash and electronic gadgets in a pawnshop,  and motor center by passing on the underground sewerage channel in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, according to police officials.

The police said the suspects barged in Exquisite Pawnshop and adjacent motor center of Norkis GC located along Gen. Luna Street about midnight Sunday and the incident was discovered the following day.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said the pawnshop lost an estimated P10-million worth of jewelry, cash amounting to P130,000, while Norkis GC lost P70,000, a laptop unit worth P30,000, and bracelet worth P12,000 from the robbers.

Police investigation disclosed that the suspects gained entry into the establishments by using the underground sewerage passage and a portable hydraulic jack to break into the concrete flooring of the establishments.

Investigators of the Dipolog City Police further revealed that they have identified the four suspects who were captured by the close circuit television inside the pawnshop and Norkis GC.

Further investigation disclosed that the suspects have reportedly rented a boarding house some few meters away from their target establishments.

Senior Superintendent James Mejia, police provincial director of Zamboanga del Norte, said  a manhunt operation was launched while police forces in the region have been alerted to arrest the suspects.