DUMAGUETE CITY, (PNA) –The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental is keeping a close watch on the reported presence of members of robbery and hold-up gangs from Mindanao in other areas outside of the capital, Dumaguete City.
OIC provincial police director Supt. Alet Virtucio on Friday said the PNP has received intelligence reports that members of the Ozamis-Pagadian robbery gang are allegedly targeting business establishments in the cities of Tanjay and Bais, about an hour’s drive north of this capital.
Supt. Virtucio disclosed that the notorious group has local contacts in these cities and who are now the subject of surveillance and monitoring.
Business establishments are warned against letting their guard down and ensure that security measures are in place to prevent a repeat of the August 26 daytime robbery at Agencia Belen pawnshop in Dumaguete City, Virtucio said.
In that incident, at least ten alleged members of the Ozamis-Pagadian group robbed the pawnshop of some P5-million in valuable jewelry but the attempt was foiled during follow-up operations which led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of the stolen items.
Meanwhile, Supt. Virtucio is calling on the public to secure their homes during the long weekend celebration of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
He said criminal elements may take advantage of people leaving their homes unattended as they flock to the cemeteries to visit the graves of their dearly departed.
Virtucio advised families of taking turns in leaving their houses or ask a neighbor to keep an eye on their homes while they are away for the twin Christian celebrations in honor of the saints and the dead.