PNP probes Makati village robbery

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is investigating the robbery of a 76-year-old woman at Forbes Park in Makati, PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said yesterday.

Co said the suspect is a 25-year-old pedicab driver from Taguig who has been linked to a series of “akyat-bahay” or burglary incidents in other Makati villages.

The suspect allegedly took about P40,000 worth of jewelry and P50,000 in cash from the victim on Sept. 24, Co said at a press briefing with Camp Crame reporters.

He said police identified the suspect through closed-circuit television footage.

Co said police are coordinating with the private security provider of Forbes Park to determine how the suspect entered the village and review its security protocols and patrol arrangements.

“We do not provide exclusive security services to these villages, which opt to have their own private security to guard their residences,” Co said.

Police normally do not patrol private subdivisions unless called to respond, Co said.

He said the incident would also form part of the assessment of police commanders, whose performance is measured not only by crime-fighting accomplishments but also by their ability to maintain peace and reduce crime.

The PNP uses strategic deployment of personnel and resources to focus on crime-prone areas, Co said.