Guard hid himself during Pasig mall heist

MANILA, Philippines - A security guard who is being eyed for his alleged involvement in the P550,000 heist at the Robinson’s Metro East mall in Pasig City last June 20 actually hid himself when he heard gunshots, police said yesterday.

Ronualdo Magno, 30, of the Corporate Protection Service Inc. denied allegations that he was remiss in carrying out his duties when he was assigned to guard the mall entrance. He said he frisked everyone who came into the mall but did not find anything suspicious.

Police said he claimed he only learned that four of those who entered the mall were robbers when he was shown the surveillance camera video. Police said the video showed Magno not frisking customers entering the mall and opening the double doors wide just before the robbers ran out, then stepping out of the camera frame as the robbers went through the doors.

Magno said he opened the double doors when mall baggers Marvin Pozon and Anthony David passed through with a pushcart.

When he heard shots ring out, Magno said he saw several armed men running toward him. He said he hid in a delivery van and initially thought of engaging them in a shootout.

“But I refrained myself in doing so for fear that several shoppers at the waiting area might be caught in the crossfire. I continue hiding beside the van until the robbers were gone,” he said in a two-page statement. 

Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel said they allowed Magno to go home to Barangay Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City as he is not yet considered a suspect in the heist.

 SPO3 Geminir Tingne said they have not yet set when Magno would undergo the polygraph test.