CEBU CITY – The security guard of the pawnshop in the downtown area here that was robbed by four heavily armed men was unarmed during the broad daylight robbery last Saturday, November 25.
ABERIN (PRO-7 FB)
Even the security guards of the nearby establishments also did not have firearms when the robbers struck, said Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, chief of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas.
Because of the incident, Pelare said the PRO-7 will recommend that all security guards of commercial establishments must be issued with firearms.
Security guards must also be trained what to do during robbery incidents, said Pelare.
Pelare said the PRO-7 will spearhead a meeting with establishment owners to discuss measures that will protect them from criminals.
Installing security cameras and alarm systems are among the measures that will be recommended.
The conduct of simulation exercises to ensure that all security systems are functioning and determine the preparedness of security personnel during emergencies will also be recommended.
At least P4 million was taken from Oro Sugbo Pawnshop and Jewelry during the robbery.
The pawnshop is equipped with an alarm system but was not activated when the robbers struck.
“No one was able to press the alarm button. You can understand it because during that time, they probably got rattled. This will be part of our critique and analysis so we can come up with recommendations,” said Pelare.
On the part of the police, there will be an adjustment in the deployment of personnel as the incident highlighted the need to further intensify police visibility especially in busy areas, Pelare said.