American loses $2,000 to burglars

MANILA, Philippines - An American tourist lost $2,000 (approximately P92,000) when his hotel room was allegedly burglarized while he was away last night in Ermita, Manila.

Police said Bruce Koehler, 42, left his room at the Iseya Hotel on M.H. del Pilar street to meet some American friends at the nearby Duck-Inn Hotel and Restaurant. He left while his fiancée, a certain Jocelyn Galera, was taking a shower.

Shortly after, Galera reportedly arrived at the Duck-Inn Hotel and joined Koehler’s friends.

After a few minutes, the group went back to the Iseya Hotel but stayed only at the reception area. Koehler proceeded to his room where he noticed that his traveling bag was opened. After checking the bag, he found out that his $2,000 was missing, but his laptop was not taken.

Police said there were no signs of forced entry, indicating that the burglars may have a duplicate key to open the door. However, the security personnel said they have not noticed any unauthorized visitor at the hotel during the time the burglary could have taken place.

Police lamented the absence of close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the hotel.    – Nestor Etolle