THE Taguig City police on Monday foiled a daring one-man bank robbery-holdup drama with the arrest of the suspect and recovery of over P7 million in cold cash taken from the bank’s safe.
Initial investigation showed that the 54-year-old suspect whose identity was not immediately disclosed entered the bank at the Veterans compound in Barangay Western Bicutan posing as a regular client.
He then requested to use the restroom, but came out moments later brandishing a loaded 9mm pistol.
The gunman held a 35-year-old female employee at gunpoint while ordering another worker to open the vault.
He instructed the bank’s loan processor to put the money, amounting to P7,464,800, into his camouflage bac pack.
Amid the heist, another female employee discreetly activated an alarm system that silently sent distress signals to the local police.
Law enforcers from Substation 2 reacted swiftly, arrested the suspect, and recovered the loot.
The police also confiscated the suspect’s gun, a 9mm Armscor pistol with nine live bullets.
Criminal charges are now being readied against the gunman, notably robbery-holdup and serious illegal detention for taking hostages.
Southern Police District acting chief Brig. Gen. Joseph Arguelles lauded the Taguig policemen who responded to the incident.
“This successful arrest highlights the vigilance of the institution’s staff and the rapid, coordinated response of Taguig Police Substation 2. Their professionalism prevented what could have been a far more
dangerous situation,” Arguelles said.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin also commended the alertness and professionalism of the responding team.
“The fast and efficient response of our police officers is a testament to their readiness and dedication to duty. This is how the law is enforced—fast, efficient and without hesitation,” Aberin said.