Robbed pawnshop had no security guard – cops

CEBU, Philippines – Police called on business establishments anew to strengthen their security systems following the robbery in a Lapu-Lapu City pawnshop that did not have any security guard.

Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, acting director of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, once again reminded businesses, especially those engaged in financial services, to always double-check on their security.

"We’ve always told them to ensure their security. In fact, we have a regular meeting with financial establishments where we discuss how they can strengthen their security measures,” Radoc told The FREEMAN in Cebuano.

Owners and managers of financial establishments operating in the city meet with the police every third week of the month.

Last Sunday, a branch of M. Lhuillier Pawnshop along the Airport Road in Barangay Pusok was reportedly robbed by a group of five men, three of whom pretended to be company employees before disconnecting the establishment’s power and destroying its surveillance cameras.

The three were reportedly dressed in red uniforms and presented themselves as company’s field auditors.

It was also learned that while the three suspects were emptying the pawnshop’s vault, the two other suspects were waiting at the lobby.

But the Lapu-Lapu City police are still left puzzled why the robbery was staged at a time the branch had just cut off the services of its security provider.

“We’re still investigating because it’s very unusual (for a pawnshop to let people in that easy). If an ordinary person comes in, the company is expected to check them first," Radoc said.

Radoc wondered why the pawnshop’s employees were not able to assess or verify whether the five suspects were in fact “real” employees or not. As such, the branch’s employees present during the robbery are also under investigation.

Among them are branch manager Johnrey Rondina, 24, of Barangay Buaya, same city; assistant branch manager Abelardo Mirafuentes, 23, of Barangay Labogon, Mandaue City;  tellers Meah Tampis, 22, of Danao City and Aiza Senerpida, 27, also of Barangay Buaya.

Company officials are yet to release the estimated amount of cash and jewelry carted away by the suspects. (FREEMAN)