SURALLAH, South Cotabato — More than ₱120,000 in cash and a caliber .38 revolver were stolen after unidentified suspects allegedly broke into a branch of MR D.I.Y. in Surallah, South Cotabato, authorities said.
The burglary was discovered around 7:26 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the MR D.I.Y. Shopping Center located in Zone 1, Barangay Libertad, Surallah.
Based on the initial investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the suspects reportedly gained entry into the establishment by destroying a portion of the roof using a metal cutter or heavy-duty cutting tool.
Investigators said the perpetrators carefully disabled the store’s alarm system, internet connection, and CCTV connections before proceeding with the heist, apparently to avoid detection and delay the response of authorities.
The suspects then targeted two vaults inside the establishment, which they forcibly opened using a grinder or sander equipped with a metal cutting disk.
Authorities said the first vault contained ₱107,190, while the second vault held ₱13,000, bringing the total amount of stolen cash to ₱120,190.
Aside from the cash, the suspects also took a Rock Island caliber .38 revolver owned by the establishment’s security guard after reportedly taking it from the guard’s locker.
Employees of the store were reportedly shocked upon discovering the break-in and the extensive damage inside the establishment.
After carrying out the robbery, the suspects immediately fled toward an undetermined direction.
The Surallah Municipal Police Station (MPS), along with intelligence operatives and patrol teams, has launched a follow-up investigation to identify and arrest the individuals responsible for the crime.
Authorities are also reviewing possible pieces of evidence and tracing potential leads that may help in determining the identities of the suspects and how the operation was carried out.