Security guard foils mall rob try

CEBU, Philippines - A security guard of Super Metro Bogo in Bogo City was severely injured after he was struck with a metal bar in the head when he walked into a robbery attempt at the mall.

Bogo Police chief, Supt. Germano Mallari Jr., said the robbers were entering the mall through a hole they bore on the wall when security guard Jerwin Estoya, 31, found them at past midnight.

The robbers then struck Estoya in the head with the same steel bar they used to drill the wall with.

“Ang wall gibuhoan nila nakasulod sila sa Metro, nakabantay ang gwardya ngitngit man gibunalan na lang nila atong gidala nila nga bara,” Mallari said.

Estoya was found unconscious by a mall employee hours later at around 5 a.m.

“Unya ang usa ka gwardya sa second floor wala siya kabantay ug gubot, nakit-an atong taga engineering alas 5:00 na sa buntag naghigda tong gwardya nagkadugo,” Mallari added.

Footage of the Closed Circuit Television Camera revealed that three robbers bore the hole at the Bills and Payments Counter but fled right after Estoya found them.

The robbers seemed experienced, police said.

“Pero na ami nahibaw-an sa CCTV… nagpalit sila’g gamit gahapon sa Super Metro. Mga professional, motakilid ra,” Mallari said.

The robbers left behind a hand drill, three drill bits, a hydraulic jack, a wood saw, an angle ruler, 10 screw drivers, two pairs of hand gloves, a diagonal cutting pliers, a grinder, 12 pieces grinder blades, a multi-purpose cutter, a set of cutting outfit including gauge, two head light, a jack saw handle, three assorted bags, two steel bars, a Gray cargo shorts, a cell phone charger and three padlocks.

Based on inventory, the robbers failed to take anything away, said mall manager Ricky Tulda.

Initial investigation revealed that the robbers rented a stall at P25,000 owned by a certain Delia Armenton Ceros located just beside the mall.

Further investigation is being conducted to identify the suspects. (FREEMAN)