GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur — An 81-year-old senior citizen was left traumatized after armed robbers stormed his home in broad daylight, tied him up at gunpoint, and escaped with an estimated ₱600,000 in cash belonging to his granddaughter, popular vlogger Monlee Tampus, during a daring robbery in Barangay Baguitan, Guipos, on Friday, July 17.
The victim was identified as Porferio Beltran, who endured a terrifying ordeal after three unidentified armed men forcibly entered his residence at around 12:30 p.m.
According to the Guipos Municipal Police Station, the suspects, all wearing black jackets, arrived aboard a white Yamaha Aerox 155 motorcycle before barging into the elderly man’s home.
Police said the suspects immediately subdued Beltran, dragging him inside the house before threatening him with a rifle. The elderly victim’s hands were tied while his mouth was sealed with masking tape, leaving him helpless as the robbers searched every corner of the residence.
Investigators believe the robbery may have been premeditated, as the suspects appeared to know exactly what they were looking for.
Authorities said the men searched for a piggy bank owned by Beltran’s 24-year-old granddaughter, Monlee Tampus, a well-known vlogger and social media influencer with more than 300,000 followers. The piggy bank reportedly contained approximately ₱600,000 in cash—money that Tampus had painstakingly saved through her work as a content creator.
After locating the piggy bank, the suspects fled through the rear of the property before escaping toward Barangay Sikatuna, Guipos, authorities said.
The Guipos Municipal Police Station has launched a follow-up investigation and hot pursuit operation to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Investigators are also determining whether the suspects had prior knowledge that a substantial amount of cash was being kept inside the house.
Vlogger grateful her grandparents survived
Despite the significant financial loss, Tampus said the money was never her primary concern.
In a heartfelt social media post following the incident, the content creator expressed profound gratitude that her grandparents survived the terrifying ordeal unharmed.
“To everyone who has been asking if I’m okay, yes, I’m okay. Thank you so much. My only concern from the very beginning was the safety of my grandmother and grandfather. I wasn’t worried about the money because I can always earn it again. But if a life is lost, it can never be brought back.”
She also thanked the residents of Barangay Baguitan who immediately came to assist her grandparents after the robbery.
“They are the most important people in my life. I can lose everything else, but not them. They are the reason why I work so hard every day.”
Tampus added that she would share more details about the incident at the appropriate time and urged everyone to remain vigilant.
In another statement, she revealed that while she felt heartbroken seeing her elderly grandfather restrained by the robbers, she chose not to harbor hatred toward those responsible.
“If there’s one thing that hurt me the most, it was seeing my grandfather tied up. He’s already 80 years old. As for the money they took, I honestly didn’t dwell on it anymore. Maybe they needed it more or had something they believed was more important than the plans I had for that money. I’m still thankful because they spared my grandfather’s life.”
Her message has drawn widespread admiration online, with many netizens praising her compassion, resilience, and unwavering love for her grandparents despite the traumatic incident.
Police continue manhunt
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the suspects or has information regarding the robbery or the getaway motorcycle to immediately coordinate with the Guipos Municipal Police Station.
The incident has raised concerns among residents after armed men were able to carry out a targeted robbery in broad daylight against a vulnerable senior citizen. Police continue to intensify their investigation as they pursue all possible leads to bring the perpetrators to justice.