3 questioned over foiled P20-million heist in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Three alleged members of a robbery gang are being interrogated on their role in a failed attempt to rob a moneychanger shop in Manila of P20 million, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Nicanor Bartolome said yesterday.

He said a Mitsubishi Adventure (WSS-834), two hand grenades, and two .38 caliber revolvers were seized from Rolando Noriega, 36; Ramie Soler, 36; and Edzel Pamat, 30, when they were arrested on Jan. 8 as they reportedly were about to rob the Edzen moneychanger shop.

“We foiled an attempt by the Ozamis group to stage a bigtime robbery in Metro Manila. We are now going after their cohorts,” Bartolome said.

Bartolome directed Senior Superintendent Jess Cambay, NCRPO intelligence chief, to conduct follow-up operations until all other members of the robbery group are behind bars.

Cambay said he coordinated with officials of a bank near the moneychanger shop after an informant told them the gang was set to rob the bank. A bank official said one of their clients would regularly withdraw large amounts of money and bring it to the moneychanger shop.

The suspects were brought to the Manila Police Station 5 and charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives before the Manila prosecutor’s office. Bail was set at P200,000 for each of them.

The bank official said their client was able to transact business at the moneychanger shop without any hitches.