Gen. Ligan warns police chiefs over ‘termite gang’ attacks

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police Regional Office 6 director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan said he would not hesitate to relieve chiefs of police if members of the “termite gang” stage another attack in their areas of responsibility.

Ligan’s statement came after the April 27 incident involving the C. Bayate Pawnshop and Jewelry Store in Calinog, Iloilo.

After the incident, Col. Arpha Abul Kyr Macalangcom Jr., PRO-6 deputy regional director for operations, met with deputy provincial directors for operations and ordered them to closely monitor business establishments.

“That’s why, I’m warning the station police chiefs that if it happens again within their area despite the order from the DRDO, you will relieved from your post. No questions asked,” he said.

The administrative action could also affect other staff members.

“Sinabihan na kayo to closely monitor, if this happens for the third time, para na tayong giangawang tanga ng mga ‘yan. Pinagtatawanan na tayo. Sa dami nating pulis at force multipliers, nagmumukha tayong walang ginagawa,” he said.

The C. Bayate Pawnshop and Jewelry Store lost around PHP 2.9 million in the robbery.

Police identified four suspects behind the incident.

Upon verification, police found that the four suspects were involved in similar robbery incidents in Luzon.

One of them was also among the five suspects allegedly involved in another pawnshop robbery on Dec. 17, 2025, in Pavia, Iloilo.

Police also said they gathered evidence against the suspects.

Meanwhile, Ligan admitted that the incident could also signal an intelligence failure on the part of the police.

“It was not preempted. The purpose is intelligence is to preempt things to happen,” he said.

In the two incidents, police were only able to file criminal charges against the suspects.