Robbers break into pharmacy

CEBU, Philippines — At least three unidentified individuals broke into a pharmacy in Barangay Jagobiao, Mandaue City and stole approximately P100,000 in cash from a vault, the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) reported on Tuesday, June 3.

MCPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro said the robbery was discovered early that morning by the pharmacy manager, who noticed a hole in the wall of the establishment.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), along with investigators from Police Station 3 and the MCPO headquarters, are still conducting their investigation.

According to Villaro, the culprits likely entered the premises by forcibly breaching a section of the pharmacy's wall. Initial findings suggest the break-in occurred during the pharmacy’s closing hours the previous night.

"There were reports that the wall had been tampered with over several nights," Villaro said, adding that residents nearby recalled hearing banging noises for three consecutive nights but did not report them.

"Nahitabo na gyud nga ganehang buntag na discover sa manager sa mao nga pharmacy nga nakasod na gyud," she said.

Villaro lamented the lack of action from the neighbors despite noticing unusual activity in the area.

 "Wala lang gyud silay attempt sa pag-check or pagpangsumbong lang sa maong establishment nga naay magtingog nga pagpangbakbak," she said, noting that no attempts were made to alert either the pharmacy staff or authorities.

Aside from the P100,000 stolen from the vault, the suspects also attempted to access the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) inside the pharmacy but failed.

"Dili successful ang ilang pagpanguha sa maong ATM; only ang vault ang ilang nakuha," Villaro said.

Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from inside the pharmacy and nearby establishments. While the suspects had their faces covered, authorities hope surveillance from surrounding areas may aid in identifying them.

Villaro stated that although only three individuals were seen entering the pharmacy, more people may have been involved, possibly acting as lookouts.

“Based on our initial findings, the robbery was carefully planned,” she said. “Knowing nga mahibaw-an nila kung asa gyud dapita asa sila mangbakbak ug ang time kung kanus-a nila sudlon."

She added that the possibility of an “inside job” has not been ruled out.

“Daghan ta og gitan-aw. Padayon pa man sad ang investigation, so hopefully mahibaw-an and ma-identify nato ang robbers,” Villaro said.

The pharmacy did not have a security guard on duty at the time of the incident.

Authorities are continuing to coordinate with other agencies and are appealing for any information that could help locate the suspects. FPL (CEBU NEWS)