Charges filed against pawnshop "robbers"

Police yesterday filed robbery charges against the suspects in the robbery of a Mandaue City branch of the Exquisite Pawnshop and Jewelry Inc. despite the refusal of the management to press charges against them.

Mandaue City Police Office director Eduardo Catabas said the charges were filed based on the affidavit executed by the pawnshop's security guard who positively identified the suspects through cartographic sketches and police photo galleries.

Catabas added the security guard also claimed compensation for his stolen watch and issued firearm that was damaged during the robbery.

"The management is not willing to pursue the filing for fear of retaliation," Catabas said.

On March 7, three robbers barged into the pawnshop, located along A.S. Fortuna Street, and carted away about P6 million worth of jewelry and undetermined amount of cash. No one was, however, hurt during the incident.