"Inside job" eyed in appliance center robbery

Police are eyeing an "inside job" while eight persons of interest (POI) have been identified in a robbery incident of an appliance center in JR Borja Aguinaldo Streets, this city, Tuesday night, October 15.

Investigation disclosed that four armed men barged into Quality Appliance Plaza and carted away nearly P400,000.

Of the 4 suspects, 3 were wearing face masks while the other one was wearing a helmet. Police said the suspects may have boarded a motorcycle when they fled the area.

Suspects also took the cellphones and cash from the employees including the CCTV recorder.

Police Captain Tessie Lleva, Police Station 2 Commander said they believe that the suspects belong to an organized robbery group.

"Based sa pagpasok nila sa establishment, bihasa ang galaw nila at masasabi natin na

hindi sila first timers at hindi lang ang Quality Appliance Plaza ang pinasok nila,” Lleva said.

Lleva said they are also questioning the security agency of the company’s guard after investigators learned that he was not issued a firearm.

“Yung security guards sana ay sila yung frontliners natin against sa crimes, kung wala silang firearm paano ma-assure yung security ng company nila,” she added.

Police are still investigating the incident.

Lt. Col. Mardy Hortillosa II, spokesperson of the Northern Mindanao Police, said there is a need to investigate the guard and the security agency.

“Kung makita nga nagsabot ra ang agency ug ang company nga wala armas ila guard dili sila ma-sanction, ”Hortillosa said.

He said the guard’s license may be revoked and will likely pay fines if lapses are established in the investigation.