A convenience store here fell victim to a robbery in the middle of Typhoon Tino’s onslaught, with suspects carting away an estimated P1 million in cash early Tuesday morning (Nov. 4).
The incident occurred around midnight at Antmart, located along CPG Avenue, while strong winds and heavy rains from Typhoon Tino lashed the city.
Based on the store’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, two men wearing bonnets forcibly entered the establishment and took the cash before fleeing in an unknown direction.
Authorities from the Tagbilaran City Police Station have launched an investigation to identify and locate the suspects. The store’s management has also made the CCTV footage public to seek help from the community According to the management, the decision to post the video online was not merely to recover the stolen money but to raise awareness and prevent similar crimes, especially during disasters when establishments are most vulnerable.
They also urged residents who may have information about the suspects’ identities to immediately contact the police or message the store’s official page.
In their statement, Antmart’s management appealed to Mayor Jane Yap to help ensure a swift investigation and to strengthen measures for public safety amid ongoing calamities.
‘We leave everything to God,’ the store said in its post.
Police continue to gather evidence and are coordinating with nearby establishments for possible additional CCTV footage that may aid in tracking down the suspects.
On Thursday, Antmart released another statement calling the robbery a ‘really big test’ for the management.
‘It is a very painful test. As the owners, we have to admit we made mistakes with our security. Our employees had lapses, and so did our guard,’ the statement read.
Despite the loss, the management expressed their resolve to respond with faith and humility. ‘While it was tempting to give in to frustration and anger, we quickly reminded ourselves to be calm and to respond with both gentleness and wisdom. We have chosen to use this painful experience as an opportunity-an opportunity to glorify God, to learn, to grow stronger, and to outwardly demonstrate our deep faith,’ it added.