ARAKAN, COTABATO — A local businessman was left shaken and outraged after three armed men blocked his vehicle and robbed him of around ₱70,000 in cash in a broad-daylight hold-up in Sitio Sunlove, Barangay Napalico, over the weekend.
The victim, Menard Joseph Abapo, 40, a resident of Brgy. Katipunan, was on his way to Centro Napalico aboard his gray multicab along with his helper, Bryan Cosing, when three suspects on separate motorcycles suddenly surrounded their vehicle on a diversion road.
Based on the police investigation, the backrider of a blue Suzuki Raider FI — wearing a bonnet and armed with an unidentified short firearm — dismounted and immediately pointed his weapon at Abapo. The suspect forcibly grabbed the victim’s sling bag containing his wallet, IDs, cellphone, and roughly ₱70,000, believed to be the day’s earnings from his business.
After seizing the bag, the suspects sped away toward Barangay Kabalantian, escaping on three motorcycles before authorities could respond.
Bienvinido Ranario, a relative of the victim, expressed strong anger and disappointment over the attack, calling the suspects “lazy criminals” who resort to violence instead of earning an honest living.
Police have launched a deepening investigation and are now coordinating with the AFP, barangay officials, and nearby establishments to gather CCTV footage and community intelligence that may lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators.
The Arakan Municipal Police Station assured the public that they are closely monitoring the case and intensifying efforts to track down the suspects.
Authorities are urging residents and local businesses to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as they continue to strengthen security measures in the area.