MANILA, Philippines – A jewelry store and a money-changer shop lost P13 million in jewelry and cash to robbers who broke into a department store through the roof in Dasmariñas, Cavite Tuesday.
Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad, Calabarzon police director, ordered a deeper probe on the robbery at the Aserehe Money Changer and Gems and Jewels store located at the second floor of the Waltermart Department Store along the Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Barangay Zone 4, Dasmariñas.
Palad ordered Senior Superintendent Jonathan Miano, Cavite police director, to pursue the inside job angle, as the robbers appeared to have prior knowledge of where the money and jewelry were kept.
“I have directed Col. Miano to invite for investigation the security guards assigned at the department store,” he said, noting that it was unusual for the robbers to enter the store compound without being noticed by the security guards.
In his report to Palad, Miano said the robbers destroyed the roof of the department store and lowered themselves to the two stores using a rope, which they also used in their escape.
The money-changer shop is owned by Aida Mojica, while the jewelry store is owned by Arnel Malla and operated by Jennifer Francisco.
“The money-changer shop owner claimed that she was robbed almost every year so there must be somebody tipping off the robbers about her business,” Palad said.
He said they have contacted their underworld informant to possibly solve the case.
Palad admitted they have not determined as yet if the Akyat-Bahay or Bolt Cutter gang was involved in the twin robberies, but he strongly believe that the heist was an “inside job.”