Albay governor's house robbed

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The house of President Arroyo’s economic adviser and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda in Barangay Peñafrancia, Daraga town was robbed at around 1:45 a.m. yesterday by at least five still unidentified suspects. The caretakers were hogtied, while the official was already in Manila to prepare for his United Nations speaking tour in Geneva, Switzerland.

Initial police investigation showed that the robbers, who gained entry through the back concrete fence of the governor’s residence, immediately hogtied house caretakers, Jonalyn and Elmer, both surnamed Samper; and houseboy Richard Mapa. They also carted away some P4,550 cash and two cellphones worth more than P10,000.

The caretakers said that one of the suspects pointed at them a hand gun while they were being hogtied.

The police said that the suspects could have probably fed the dogs with drugged food which put them to deep sleep as very heavy rains further drowned any noise that even the police security detailed in the governor’s house failed to notice the burglary.

In a text message sent to The STAR, Salceda said he would detail additional security at the back portion of his residence, though he believes the suspects intentionally waited for him to leave before they barged into the house.

“Nung malaman ko (yong report), kinumusta ko lang yung katiwala ko. Alam naman ng lahat na pag wala ako mas konti ang security. Every Tuesday (nasa) Manila ako for follow-ups and make myself available for Cabinet meetings. Actually I feel safe in that house. Dagdagan (na) lang security sa likod,” Salceda said.

Some policemen and officials in the province are, however, anticipating for at least a reprimand from the governor. – With Celso Amo