LINGAYEN–Not even the vaunted security around and inside the Capitol grounds is enough to stop the highly mobile criminals operating in the province.

Two businessmen lost P700,000 in cash after they were held up inside the provincial Capitol compound by three men on board a motorcycle.

Governor Amado Espino Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation on the incident even as he voiced reservations about the account of the victims, Rommel Jimenez and Lawrence Tabora.

“Maraming malabo eh, I mean as an investigator, base sa kwento nila, di nila matandaan pati plate number,” the governor said.

Jimenez and Tabora jointly own RL Pharma, a pharmaceutical supplier involved in provincial government contracts.

There are also questions about the lost amount declared by the victims as police sources say P4 million was actually taken by the culprits. Neither of the victims has confirmed this.

Artist’s sketch on suspect

Based on Jimenez and Tabora’s account, they had just encashed a check from MetroBank Lingayen branch then parked their Toyota Corolla car at the vicinity of the Finance Building at the Capitol complex as they were going to follow up a transaction at the General Services Office in another building.

Before the two got off, the suspects appeared at the side of the car, poked a .45 caliber gun at the driver, got the money placed in a paper bag and fled.

The victims, who were unhurt, claimed the incident “happened so fast”.

A security guard who witnessed the incident and some policemen reportedly immediately pursued the suspects but failed to arrest them.

Police are now tracing the motorcycle based on the account of other eyewitnesses.

Espino said the recent rehabilitation of the Capitol grounds and strengthening of security in the area has put a stop to petty crimes. “If the robbery is indeed true, the security team should further enhance the procedures and operations,” he added. #

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