Rob gang modus operandi bared

MANILA, Philippines - Police bared yesterday the modus operandi employed by the robbery gang behind the P550,000 heist at the Robinson’s East Mall in Pasig City last June 22 as they warned business establishments owners to be wary of this scheme.

The modus operandi was established after investigators compared the movements used by the suspects in eight other heists all over the country.

Aside from the Robinson’s East mall burglary, the gang, identified with a Mindanao politician, was responsible for eight other heists based on the cross-matching of evidence recovered at the crime scenes.

The police official noted that in the nine heists perpetrated by the gang since last year, all the suspects were armed with caliber .45 pistols and wore short pants so they could easily move.

The gang apparently operates in the morning while bank or money -changer shop employees are delivering the day’s earnings to a waiting armored van or vice versa.

The gang members usually open fire at security guards escorting the money, without announcing the heists.