3 suspects in e-payment machine thefts arrested at Batangas pier

Three suspects in the theft of e-payment machines in Parañaque City were arrested at a pier in Batangas as they were about to board a ship to Mindoro, where they allegedly planned to continue their illegal activities.

In an exclusive report by John Consulta on "24 Oras" on Friday, CCTV footage showed the suspects robbing a convenience store in Parañaque. They dismantled the wiring of an e-payment machine and loaded it onto a van in less than two minutes.

“Kung mapansin ninyo sa mga nakuha nating CCTV, ang bilis nilang kunin ang mga machine na ito. Alam nila 'yung mga alarm kung paano nila i-disable, pati 'yung mga wiring, dinidistrongka. Pag hindi nila makuha, doon mismo nira-ransack,” Police Colonel Vic Cabatingan, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division 4A, said.

(If you look at the CCTV footage we obtained, you'll see how quickly they take these machines. They know how to disable the alarms and dismantle the wiring. If they cannot remove the machines easily, they ransack the premises.)

The Regional Intelligence Division, in coordination with Batangas police, arrested the three suspects, including the group's leader, at the Batangas pier. Authorities also recovered tools allegedly used to dismantle the machines.

Police identified the group as the Hernandez Robbery Group.

“Pasakay sana ng barko itong grupo ng Hernandez Robbery Group. Itong tumatayong leader nila ay meron na ring standing warrant ng robbery, kung kaya't ito ay sinita at kinuha ng ating mga operatiba sa pier,” Police Regional Office 4A director Police Brigadier General Dominic Baccay said.

(The Hernandez Robbery Group was about to board a ship. Their leader also had an outstanding arrest warrant for robbery, prompting our operatives to intercept and apprehend him at the pier.)

“Papasakay na dapat sila ng barko, patawid ng Mindoro, doon sila gagawa ulit ng illegal activities,” Baccay added.

(They were about to board a ship bound for Mindoro, where they planned to carry out illegal activities again.)

Police said the group had targeted establishments not only in Metro Manila but also in parts of the Visayas and Central Luzon.

“Meron na rin silang activities sa Bohol sa mga banking establishments doon at it appears parang kabisado nila 'yung mga makina roon, kahit na mga ATM,” Baccay said.

(They have also targeted banking establishments in Bohol, and it appears they are familiar with the machines there, including ATMs.)

“Kasamahan din nito yung mga bumibira sa Region 3, 'yung ibang kasamahan nila ay nakuha doon sa NLEX sa bandang Bocaue,” he added.

(They are also linked to those operating in Region 3. Some of their other associates were apprehended along the North Luzon Expressway near Bocaue.)

The three suspects are facing robbery charges. They have yet to issue a statement. — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/VBL, GMA News