CEBU, Philippines - Police are closely monitoring two groups of men reportedly meeting regularly outside Redemptorist Church even before the church was burglarized, said a police official.
Theft and Robbery Section chief William Alicaba said the group of men, who are reportedly currently undergoing reform, could be one of those who stole jewelry from the Church’ Sto. Niño image last Tuesday.
The police ruled out the possibility of an inside job, thinking that the burglar was an intruder. Even the parish priest believes this, Alicaba said.
He added that they are monitoring two groups of men who were alcohol and drug dependents who are reportedly undergoing reform.
“Kada-adlaw na sila mag-meet sa kumbento gawas sa Redemptorist Church. Ato lang pud gi-monitor kay duol ra sila sa simbahan pirmi,†the TRS chief further disclosed. He added that he has yet to meet the foreigner who reportedly handles the groups.
Alicaba said they have actually picked up from one of the group, 40-year-old man who had a record of stealing from the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral years back.
The man, who was released from jail this February, was soon released by TRS after he was proven innocent, said Alicaba.
The Redemptorist Church lost jewelry worth P100,000 from the hand of the Sto. Niño image placed at the entrance of the church.
TRS has invited the church guard, candle maker, and two church staff for investigation and were released because they were proven innocent.
Police warned church management to secure their premises after the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel at the South Road Properties in Barangay Mambaling also lost some P100,000 cash and checks to unidentified burglar last April.28. – (FREEMAN)