NBI claims to have solved bank robbery

The National Bureau of Investigation has claimed to have solved the August 2 robbery of the Bogo branch of Land Bank of the Philippines after it filed yesterday before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office charges for robbery in band against 12 people, including one of the bank's security guards.

But only five of the 12 suspects have been so far identified and only security guard Henry Cuerda and ex-Army soldier Joseph "Jojo" Ancajas have been arrested. The rest of the suspects remain at large.

Cuerda is a resident of sitio Bung-aw, barangay Cayang in Bogo while Ancajas, who used to be a member of the 15th Infantry Battalion based in Bohol, lives in barangay Taytayan, where he was arrested by the police on Wednesday.

The other suspects are Joel Sumabong of sitio Dawis, barangay Banban; Dindo Ancero of barangay Malingin; and Ceferino Serbano of barangay Cogon. The seven other suspects, including a woman, remain unidentified.

The NBI said it has finally solved the case after Cuerda, who decided to cooperate in the investigation, admitted his involvement in the robbery.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and bank manager Ramon Destajo sought the NBI's help immediately after the robbers carted away P9,410,600 from the bank.

Cuerda decided to cooperate and disclosed his participation in the robbery because he was reportedly bothered by his conscience.

According to Cuerda, he was recruited on November last year to act as the group's contact inside the bank. Cuerda even met with Somabong and Ancero several times.

About noon of August 2, Cuerda again met with Ancero and Somabong at the house of Somabong in barangay Banban. Somabong, during the meeting, instructed Cuerda to inform the group as soon as the money from ASPAC Bantayan branch would arrive.

Inside the bank, upon knowing that the money had already arrived and that there was no scheduled delivery to Land Bank in Cebu City, Cuerda immediately informed Somabong through a text message.

Somabong reportedly replied, "Ok pare, papunta na kami d'yan." At 7:30 p.m., bank teller Veronica Co instructed Cuerda to place the money inside the vault. At this juncture, Cuerda texted Somabong, "Bosing, pwede na kayong pumasok, ipasok na pera."

Moments later, Cuerda saw Somabong, armed with a 45 caliber pistol, "Partner", armed with a revolver, and Ancero barged into the bank after overpowering Baterna who was manning the entrance.

The robbers then brought Cuerda and Baterna to the visitor's lounge of the bank and tied their hands. The guards were ordered to drop to the floor, as two more robbers entered the bank and helped Somabong take the money.

Meanwhile, it was found out that Ancajas has a pending warrant of arrest for slight physical injuries. When Ancajas was arrested, Co positively identified him as the one who poked a gun at her and demanded for the vault's key.

Servano has been included as a suspect because it was found out that he owns the Nissan Vanette which, witnesses said, was used in the robbery. - Rene U. Borromeo