4 firemen lose cash, valuables to burglars

CEBU, Philippines — Firemen are considered heroes who dedicated themselves to save lives and properties, but to the eyes of the criminals they are just another potential victims waiting to fall when the right time comes.

And so the right time came for the unidentified criminals to strike when four firefighters from Lahug Fire Sub-Station were out on Friday evening to respond to the Metro Ayala fire.

In their rush to get to the fire scene as soon as possible, Senior Fire Officer 2 Archie Custodio, FO1 Elmer Arnold Ariesgado, and two others forgot to keep their cash and valuables in their lockers.

Custodio and his colleagues lost over P80,000 worth of cash and valuables to still unidentified burglars who broke into the fire station while they were out to extinguish the Metro Ayala fire. The burglary was discovered by their relievers or the next shift of officers on duty. 

“Pagsulod nako pag-duty na namo pagka-ugma kay mao na akong nakit-an nga nagkatag na ang mga butang nila diri. Ang pitaka, ablina,mao nga amo dayon sila gipahibawo didto pagrelibo namo nga mura’g gikawatan mi,” said FO3 Ermilo Canoog.

Canoog said that there is a big possibility that the culprits were living around the area because they knew that no one was left at the station on that night.

Custodio and his fellow officers reported the incident to the Theft and Robbery Section of Cebu City Police Office.

The stolen items include a laptop worth P35, 000, cash worth P13, 800; power bank; cellphone; and bag.

“Kung mag-alarma mi di na mi makapanghipos.Magsalig man gud mi nga sirado man mi diha,” said Custodio.

Canoog said that their station was locked when they left but those who are familiar with the place knew how to open. The window was also left half open, which the burglars may have gained entrance there from.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) -7 Director Samuel Tadeo condemned the incident.

“Sobra na man po iyong ginawa nila. Tumutulong nga iyong tao natin ninakawan pa,” said Tadeo.

He vowed that charges will be filed against those responsible for the burglary once they are identified. (FREEMAN)