PHP 1M Stolen in Pilar Highway Robbery

By Felipe V. Celino

PILAR, Capiz – Around PHP 1 million in cash, checks, cellphones, and other valuables were stolen during a highway robbery on Sunday morning, January 5, in Barangay San Esteban, Pilar, Capiz.

Police identified the victims as Jorge Valsote, 48, of Poblacion Tabuc, Panay; Daniel Acervo, 35, of Barangay Parian, Sigma; and Jose Billones, 57, of Barangay Tanza Sur, Panay. All three are drivers for a soft drink company.

Initial reports from the Pilar Municipal Police indicated that the victims were traveling in a gray Toyota Innova from Balasan, Iloilo, to Panay town around 9:55 a.m. when suspects, wearing police athletic uniforms marked “Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG),” flagged them down near a quarry site.

Police Major Rachel Garnica, chief of the Pilar police, stated that the suspects pointed a caliber .45 pistol at the victims, claiming they were conducting an operation to apprehend individuals transporting illegal drugs and firearms.

The suspects tied up the victims inside the vehicle and took a bag containing approximately PHP 1 million in cash, checks, cellphones, the car keys, and other valuables.

An investigation revealed that the victims had collected proceeds from three days of soft drink sales in Balasan, which they were transporting to their company office in Panay town.

Authorities reported that three minors witnessed the incident.

The suspects fled toward President Roxas town in a silver-gray Mitsubishi Mirage with plate number 8971, leaving the victims tied up in their vehicle.

Police Lt. Col. Albert Tapulao, Capiz police director, immediately launched a manhunt operation.

The Capiz Police Provincial Mobile Company and the Highway Patrol Group also responded to assist with the investigation.

Further inquiries into the incident are ongoing.