Intelligence report: Mindanao robbery gang is in Region-7

CEBU, Philippines - The police have warned the public about the alleged presence of a Mindanao-based robbery group in the region.

Regional Intelligence Division chief, Sr. Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, the presence of the group was monitored by their intelligence personnel since last month. The group is said to be “well-organized” and is believed to be responsible in the robbery of a forwarding company in Mandaue City last month.

The presence of the said group was discussed by the different intelligence officials in the region during the Regional Intelligence Coordinating Committee meeting last Monday.

Lawas described the group as “very elusive”. In fact, it has visited the region several times in the past and was able to pull off criminal activities.

Lawas said that the group’s recent sighting in the region is something to be concerned of because it might be scouting for their next target.

He urged the public to be more vigilant and help the police prevent crimes from happening throughout the region by reporting any suspicious people in their place.

“We are checking safe houses and their possible contacts in the region,” Lawas said.

They have already coordinated with the various establishments that could be the group’s target such as banks, financial institutions, among others to strengthen their security measures.

“Possession of big amounts of money makes them (banks, financial institutions and corporations) as possible immediate victims,” he said.

Lawas said that the public should not rely solely on the police in matters of security. According to him, financial establishments should also take the initiative to improve their own security. 

The PRO-7 has already formed a technical working group which is tasked to look for innovative ways to improve security at the bus terminals, sea and airports throughout the region.   

The Mindanao-based robbery group was earlier tagged in the P360,000 heist in APL Corporation Pte. Ltd. and APL Logistics Phils. Inc. in Mandaue City last month.

The same group was also said to be responsible in the botched heist in September inside an uptown mall wherein three of the robbers were killed by the responding policemen. Two security guards were also killed in action while two policemen were wounded.

The leader of the group who was identified as Junjun Cabando was wounded during the gunfight with the police but was able to escape. — (FREEMAN)