ILIGAN CITY – A jewelry store in the heart of Iligan City fell victim to an armed robbery on Tuesday evening after four helmeted men stormed the establishment just as it was preparing to close, making off with an undetermined quantity of jewelry before fleeing on two motorcycles.
The robbery occurred along Mercado Street in Barangay Poblacion, prompting an immediate response from the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), which has since launched an extensive investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
According to ICPO spokesperson Major Zandrex Panolong, the suspects took advantage of the store’s closing hours when employees were already in the process of shutting down operations.
“Kamulo na sila daw ug panirado ang mga trabahante sa jewelry store. In the event, adunay upat ka tawo misulod nga naniod ug armas. Mao to ang naglamas ug nanguha sa ilang mga alahas, dayon ilang getaway vehicle duha ka motorsiklo,” Panolong said.
Initial police findings revealed that all four suspects were wearing helmets, concealing their identities, when they entered the establishment armed with firearms. They quickly seized jewelry displayed inside the store before escaping aboard two motorcycles waiting outside.
Authorities immediately secured the area and have begun reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the jewelry store and nearby establishments to trace the suspects’ movements before and after the robbery.
Investigators are also coordinating with nearby businesses and witnesses who may have seen the suspects in the vicinity prior to the incident.
Meanwhile, the jewelry store’s management is conducting a full inventory to determine the total value of the stolen jewelry. As of this writing, police have yet to release an estimate of the financial losses incurred.
The management has likewise appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities by providing any information that could help identify the suspects or lead to their arrest.
Police assured the public that the investigation remains active and that all available evidence is being examined.
“Ga-imbestigar pa ta. Hopefully, as soon as possible, ma-solbad nato ni nga crime,” Panolong added.
The ICPO urged anyone with relevant information regarding the robbery or the identities of the suspects to immediately report to the nearest police station or contact local authorities, emphasizing that community cooperation will be crucial in solving the case and bringing the perpetrators to justice.