Chinese community awards NBI

CEBU, Philippines - The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce has awarded the National Bureau of Investigation for the bureau’s efforts in tracking the notorious Alvin Flores armed robbery gang.

Chamber president Filomeno Lim presented the plaque of recognition to NBI Regional Director Medardo De Lemos during the board meeting of the members of the Cebu Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“The whole Chinese community is grateful for this undertaking and for a job well done,” a portion of the citation reads.

The Filipino-Chinese businessmen in Cebu said the successful operation against the robbery group, which resulted to the death of the ring leader Alvin Flores, his right-hand Ritchie Hijapon, and two other members and the arrest of Rene Batiencela have made Cebu City and the entire province a safe and secured community.

Earlier, The NBI received recognition from the provincial government with no less than Governor Gwendolyn Garcia presenting the certificate of recognition to all the NBI operatives who participated in the operation.

The joint operatives from NBI Manila and Cebu raided the safe house rented by the group of Flores in Estaca, Compostela few weeks ago. A running gun battle ensued which resulted to the death of Flores, Hijapon, Roger Sanchez and Marc Salamanca.

NBI found text messages from Hijapon's cellular phone that indicated that the group was apparently in Cebu to pull off another robbery. There were at least eight establishments that are believed to be their target.

The NBI already advised the establishments here to review their security measures. – Fred P. Languido/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)