PNP keeps eye on robbery groups in Iloilo province
AMID a string of robbery incidents in Iloilo province, the Police Regional Office (PRO) VI is keeping an eye on existing robbery groups operating in the area.
Although not considered as “big time” groups, PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas is not discounting the possibility that they could be behind some hold-up incidents.
If not, Cuevas is wary that they could regroup and go on a robbery binge.
The region’s top cop did not elaborate much on the profile or the number of the robbery groups under police surveillance.
However, he said that the groups are splinters of robbery groups previously operating in Iloilo.
Cuevas debunked insinuations, though, that the robbery incidents have something to do with the upcoming May 2010 elections.
“Based on our assessment, it has nothing to do with the May 2010 polls. At times, these robbers are driven by the want for an easy money and the opportunity to rob others,” he claimed.
As this developed, Cuevas has directed all provincial and city police directors to intensify their intelligence monitoring to identify and thwart groups that are into robbery incidents.
Last January 2, a collector of Progressive Bank based in Pototan, Iloilo was held-up at Brgy. Cabangaan, Badiangan, Iloilo.
Lenie Alisbo, 23, of Brgy Isian Norte, Leon, Iloilo was riding on their service motorcycle when waylaid by an armed person. At gunpoint, the suspect declared hold-up and forcibly took the victim’s handbag containing cash amounting to P6,000 and Nokia mobile phone worth PHP 3,000. The suspect fled towards the forested area of Badiangan, Iloilo.
Last Sunday evening, armed men attempted to rob a group of fish vendors at Brgy. Talanghauan, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
Prior to these, several hold-up incidents were also recorded in Iloilo province.
