BANGA, South Cotabato – Authorities are in pursuit of a still unidentified suspect who robbed a Small Town Lottery (STL) booth in Barangay Punong Grande, Banga, South Cotabato, around 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
According to the investigation by the Banga Municipal Police Station, the suspect arrived on a red motorcycle without a license plate. He was wearing a black long-sleeved jacket, denim pants, and a black helmet, with his face partially covered by a blue T-shirt.
The victim, identified only as alias “Josel,” a 25-year-old STL cashier from Barangay Cabudian, told police that the man initially pretended to place a ₱20 bet. While Josel was handing over the ticket, the suspect blocked the booth’s door, pulled out a firearm from his sling bag, and declared a holdup.
The suspect took an estimated ₱5,000 in cash before fleeing toward Barangay Cabudian. Witnesses said that before escaping, the suspect apologized to the cashier, saying, “Pasensya lang gid ga, kay na-hospital abi bata ko” (“I’m sorry, my child was hospitalized”).
The incident was captured on CCTV, showing the suspect’s swift escape after taking the money. Police have assured the public that pursuit operations are ongoing and urged residents to provide any information that may help identify and apprehend the suspect.
The investigation continues as authorities work to recover the stolen amount and hold the suspect accountable for the crime.