MPD probing cop's link to botched Binondo heist

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Police District (MPD) investigators are looking into the possible involvement of a Manila cop in the failed P500,000 robbery in Binondo, Manila Monday morning.

A getaway motorcycle used by the three robbers, recovered at the scene, was traced to Police Officer 2 Edwin Yao of the MPD’s Special Task Group. Yao’s Philippine National Police (PNP) identification card was also found in the black and white Yamaha motorcycle (6246-NS), according to Binondo police station chief Superintendent Rogelio Rosales Jr.

At around 10:30 a.m. Monday, three armed robbers on board the Yamaha motorcycle blocked the path of Santiago Dangan, 50, a messenger of Savory Restaurant, who was then carrying P500,000 in cash and checks for deposit at a bank along Quintin Paredes street.

After getting the bag containing the money, the robbers tried to flee but Dangan ran after them and shouted at the top of his voice, catching the attention of Police Officer 2 Jomel Caronan, assigned at the Parañaque police station, who was then on his way home.

Caronan ran after the fleeing suspects, but one of the suspects fired at him, prompting the lawman to return fire and hit Monito Garaez, 30, of Road 10, Tondo.

Chief Inspector Christian de la Cruz and policemen from the Gandara police community precinct joined in the chase and eventually caught up with Laryon Milan, 29, a self-confessed member of the Bahala na Gang. Recovered from Garaez and Milan were a .9 mm PNP service firearm and a .38 caliber revolver. De la Cruz also recovered the bag with the money intact and checks intact.

Milan identified their escaped cohort as Roel Jimenez. Garaez is now under heavy guard at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, where he is recuperating from a gunshot wound.

Police also have in custody an employee of Savory Restaurant who allegedly served as the “finger” of the robbery gang. “My men are now closing in on two more suspects who reportedly planned the heist together with the three suspects. These persons will be useful in determining whether the cop who owns the motorcycle is part of the group,” Rosales said.

Yao said his motorcycle was forcibly taken from his pregnant wife on the way to the market at around 9 a.m. on the same day the robbery took place. However, he failed to report the incident to authorities.     

Rosales said he will recommend Caronan be commended for his bravery and response to an emergency calling for police action.