2 terminated workers are suspects in Toledo robbery

CEBU, Philippines - Either of the two workers who were terminated by the couple robbed in Toledo City could be behind last Thursday’s incident perpetrated by a lone robber, who engaged in a shootout with the police, according to the Toledo City Police chief.

Supt. Henry Biñas said that based on pieces of evidence recovered from the scene, they are monitoring two former employees of 68-year-old Alfredo Yap and his wife Lydia, 64, of Barangay Pandacan, Pinamungajan.

Biñas refused to disclose the names of the two. But he said one, who is from Negros Occidental and caretaker of couple’s resort in Pinamungajan, was terminated last December for using illegal drugs.

The other one, who is also from Negros Occidental, was terminated early this year but Biñas did not say why.

“Mao na nga personalities among gitan-aw pero wa namo gisalikway ang uban,” Biñas said in a phone interview. (We are not ruling out other suspects but as of now we are looking at these two.)

The Toledo City police recovered a bag at the back of the office. It contained some shirts and a trip ticket from Negros Occidental to Cebu dated May 30.

Biñas further said that the robber is no longer in Toledo City so they are coordinating with the neighboring police stations.

Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, said the robber could be an amateur because he did not have a getaway vehicle or a backup.

The robber held Lydia at gunpoint while declaring a hold up. He demanded for money, prompting victims to hand him P10,000. The robber tried to steal the couple’s Isuzu Highlander but he was forced to leave the vehicle after a shootout with policemen.

Alfredo tried to grab the gun and there was a scuffle that hurt Alfredo.

Police intercepted the robber at Barangay Don Andres Soriano. There was a shootout before the robber fled towards the bushes.

Police have yet to find him. (FREEMAN)