N. Cotabato lawmaker’s residence  burglarized

COTABATO CITY – A group of robbers pulled off what could be the highlight of their criminal career by burglarizing the residence of North Cotabato Rep. Bernardo Piñol Jr., whose clan is feared for its iron-fisted policy in dealing with criminals.

Piñol lost some P200,000 worth of valuables the other night to burglars who barged into his house in Kidapawan City, where “akyat bahay” gangs have lately been operating.

Piñol, younger brother of Vice Gov. Emmanuel Piñol, was on official business in a remote town when the burglars struck.

Two other siblings of the vice governor, Efren and Lito, mayors of Magpet and Mlang towns, respectively, are also known in Central Mindanao for their unrelenting campaigns against criminals.

Both mayors have been credited for the arrest of more than a hundred wanted persons in 2006.

“If these robbers got the nerve to rob my house, they can also easily rob the houses of other residents in Kidapawan City. This is alarming,” Rep. Piñol said.  

Piñol, who is on his first term as North Cotabato’s first district congressman, said he is ready to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest of the burglars.