Money lender robbed in Carmen

CEBU, Philippines - A man lost at least P30,000 cash; two cellular phones, and over 10 ATM cards to two men riding in tandem on a motorcycle in a highway robbery in Barangay Cogon West, Carmen town Friday night.

Police identified the victim as Demetrio Carel, 37, a money lender.

Chief Insp. Jason Marangon, Carmen Police Station chief, said the victim withdrew the money a few minutes before the robbers struck at 8:45 pm.

According to the investigation, Carel was traversing along Saint Martin Subdivision while driving a motorcycle with one Liezel Entera as his back rider when a red Honda Wave motorcycle suddenly overtook them and blocked their way.

The motorcycle, colored red and black, reportedly had no plate number.

The back rider, armed with a gun, disembarked from the motorcycle and pointed the gun at the victims and then declared a hold-up.

The robbers then carted away the victim’s bag which contained more or less P30,000, two cellular phones worth P7,000, and 13 Automated Teller Machine cards. They then drove off towards Danao City.

Marangon said the ATM cards are owned by people who owed Carel money.

He said Carel withdrew the money moments before the robbery, which prompted the police to suspect that the robbers were just monitoring the victim.

“Gibantayan na ‘to siya. Mao ‘tong pagkahuman og withdraw sa kwarta, gitulis dayon, (The robbers were watching him that’s why he was robbed right after withdrawing the money.)” Mangaron, in an interview with The FREEMAN, said.

 The two were on their way home after withdrawing money.

After the robbery, Carel proceeded to the police station and reported the incident.

Policemen led by SPO2 Gerry Galon conducted hot pursuit operations against the robbers but they have already escaped.

Mangaron said they are trying to identify the robbers.  (FREEMAN)