Lone robber takes P600K from bank with 2 guards

A lone robber on Monday stole around P600,000 from a branch of China Bank in Paco, Manila after he disarmed two guards.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras,” the robber was caught on CCTV footage escaping aboard a motorcycle.

“Simula noong ako ay maging pulis hanggang ngayon, talagang ito ‘yung first time na na-experience ko na isang holdaper pumasok sa isang bangko… very unusual,” Manila Police District director Police Brigadier General Leo Francisco said.

[Since I became an officer, this is the first time that I experienced a lone holdupper entering a bank… very unusual.]

The MPD was also puzzled about how the guards were disarmed. The suspect was armed with a pistol while the guards were armed with a pistol and a shotgun.

At the time of the attack, the guards were inside the bank.

However, the MPD said that the usual security arrangement had one of the guards outside the bank while the other was inside.

The MPD is currently investigating the two guards.

“Kasama na sila sa person of interest kasi mga inconsistent mga sinasabi nila. Tinitignan namin mga lapses nila at ah, ito rin namang anggulo na tinitignan natin ‘yung inside job,” Francisco said.

[They are considered as persons of interest because of the inconsistencies in their statements. We are looking at their lapses as well as the angle that this could be an inside job.]

Francisco said the CCTV footage inside the bank will help in the investigation, but it has yet to be given to investigators.

“Kailangan sana naming mabilisan kaya lang ‘yung management ng bangko ay humihingi pa ng clearance sa kanilang leadership kaya ‘yun ang aming hinihintay hanggang ngayon, na maibigay ang CCTV sa loob ng bangko,” he said.

[We need it quickly, but the management is asking for clearance from their leadership so that’s what we’re waiting for.]

Based on the investigation, the lone robber also had accomplices.

Meanwhile, the bank is now back in operation.

In a statement, it said that it is now coordinating with authorities.

“The branch has resumed operations, branch personnel are safe, and no depositor accounts were affected,” it said.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News