BY JESSIE P. MONGCAL, MDN News Bureau
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The security in this city is still in heightened alert after a successful robbery inside Yubenco Mall, a police official said.
Police Major Albert Alfaro, PIO, PNP-Zamboanga City said the PNP’s lead investigators have already found vital leads on the identity of the suspects but still gathering more circumstantial evidence to pin them down and have them arrested.
“We are still gathering circumstantial evidence to pin them down. But we have already identified some suspects who may be involved in the robbery,” Alfaro told MDN in an interview.
THE ROBBERY
Robbers have successfully looted jewelry items and cash valued at nearly P2 million from three establishments within said shopping mall in Zamboanga City, last March 5, 2024.
The entire incident was captured by surveillance cameras. In the footage, four individuals with their faces concealed by cloth can be observed carrying bags.
Upon arriving for work on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, employees discovered several items scattered and an ATM machine damaged.
Police investigation revealed a breach in the grocery section leading to a drainage system, believed to have been used as both entry and exit points by the perpetrators.
Investigators further noted that the robbers have also forcibly accessed the vaults of three jewelry stores, making off with both cash and valuable jewelry items.
RAMADAN, HOLY WEEK
Meanwhile, the police official also told this paper that they have already made a comprehensive plan for the Ramadan by the Muslims and the Holy Week for the Christian Faithfuls.
We have deployed our PNP personnel in strategic locations especially mosques and Christian churches. It has always been our marching orders from the City Director that nothing happens until the culmination of both Ramadan and the Holy Week,” the PNP spokesperson clarified in vernacular. ##
