MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon — Armed robbers carted away approximately P1.677 million in cash after ambushing three employees of South Bank Libona who were on their way to deposit the money at a local bank on Wednesday morning, June 17, authorities said.
The brazen robbery took place at around 9:40 a.m. along the Secondary National Highway in Sitio Miranda, Barangay Damilag, Manolo Fortich, prompting police to launch an intensive hot pursuit operation against the suspects.
Police identified the victims only through aliases: “Vonvon,” 30, the vehicle driver; “Raiah,” 26, a loans processor; and “Jeff,” 21, a security guard. The three were traveling aboard a Toyota Vios and were reportedly heading to a Land Bank branch in Manolo Fortich to deposit the bank’s collections when they were attacked.
According to the initial investigation, the victims were intercepted by a Ford Ranger Wildtrak carrying two unidentified armed men. Upon blocking the Toyota Vios, the suspects immediately opened fire on the vehicle using both short and long firearms.
Responding police officers later found the victims’ vehicle on the side of a drainage canal along the highway. Investigators documented eight bullet holes on the windshield, indicating the intensity of the attack.
Authorities said the driver and security guard attempted to defend themselves by returning fire. However, witnesses reported that the security guard eventually ran out of ammunition, allowing the suspects to gain control of the situation.
Despite the barrage of gunfire, all three bank employees escaped unharmed.
After neutralizing any resistance, the suspects reportedly approached the vehicle and ordered the loans processor to hand over a bag containing the cash. The robbers then fled the scene aboard the Ford Ranger and escaped through the Sayre Highway.
Police believe the attack was carefully planned, given the suspects’ apparent knowledge of the victims’ route and the large amount of money being transported.
The Manolo Fortich Municipal Police Station, under the leadership of PLTCOL Rogie Ortencio, immediately launched a flash alarm, dragnet operation, and hot pursuit operation in coordination with neighboring police stations and other law enforcement units.
Crime scene investigators from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) also processed the area to gather forensic evidence that could help identify and locate the perpetrators.
Authorities are currently examining whether the suspects had prior information regarding the scheduled bank deposit and are looking into possible leads that could establish how the robbers knew the victims’ movements.
As of this writing, no arrests have been made, and police continue their pursuit of the armed men responsible for the robbery.
Investigators are urging anyone with information regarding the suspects or the Ford Ranger Wildtrak used in the crime to coordinate with the nearest police station as efforts intensify to bring the perpetrators to justice.