Donayre confirms Ormoc was a target of a bank robbery

by Elvie Roman-Roa
ORMOC was supposed to have been the next target of a bank robbery, according to outgoing City Police Director SSupt. Nilo D. Donayre in a meeting with the Ormoc Bankers’ Club (OBC) on Sept. 9. The plan was foiled fortunately when police tightened security in Ormoc after they found the getaway vehicle used in the robbery of a cooperative in Calubian town.

Fatima Credit Cooperative in Calubian was robbed on Sept. 2 with the suspects carting off P765,840 worth of cash and items. Two days later, police found the getaway vehicle parked at a pension house in Ormoc. What happened next was a hyped search for the suspects which developed rumors of a hostage-taking incident.

The public alarm caused by the rumor and heightened security measures turned off the robbers from striking in Ormoc. SSupt. Donayre said crime incidence is expected to rise during the “ber” months or last four months of the year. He advised the banks to beef up their in-house security measures.

The OBC has 16 bank members all of which have CCTV and alarm systems in place. The club is headed by its president Ralph Yauna, manager of Philippine National Bank. SSupt. Donayre called for better coordination between the banks and the police, and a dry-run for synchronized response be held regularly.
Meanwhile, as part of the culmination of the 17th Crime Prevention Week, the Ormoc Police Office held a ceremony on Sept. 7 to thank its partner organizations. For the media community, Elvie Roman-Roa of the express and Ormoc Cable received a certificate of recognition.

Others who were recognized are Barangay Captains Janet Pulido-Almario and Norma Lord of Linao and Luna, respectively, and Judy Pidoy of the Justice Department who always witnesses police operations. Councilor Filomeno Maglasang was the guest speaker.
(WLWE Sept. 5-11, 2011 issue)