Guard's lapse leads to gun robbery, arrests in Rodriguez

• Two individuals have been arrested in Rodriguez, Rizal, for allegedly stealing a service firearm from a 52-year-old security guard at a gadget store

• The theft reportedly occurred after the security guard left his firearm unattended at his post, a practice he allegedly maintained due to not having a permit to carry it outside his immediate duty area

• Police identified the suspects through CCTV footage and confirmed their identities with a village official who recognized them from prior theft complaints, leading to their apprehension and the recovery of the weapon

• Beyond the criminal charges against the suspects, the security guard may also face disciplinary action from his employer for allegedly abandoning his firearm and leaving his designated post

Two individuals are now in police custody after allegedly stealing a firearm from a security guard stationed at a gadget store in Rodriguez, Rizal.

The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning, underscores concerns regarding firearm security protocols and the opportunistic nature of crime.

The arrested suspects, identified as friends, were apprehended following an investigation that utilized surveillance footage and local intelligence.

The stolen weapon, a service firearm, was successfully recovered by authorities during their arrest.

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Paul Sabulao, chief of the Rodriguez Police, the 52-year-old security guard reportedly left his post at the gadget store, allegedly placing his service firearm unattended near the stairs of his workstation.

It was revealed that the guard would typically leave his weapon behind when stepping away, particularly when using the comfort room or returning home briefly, as he reportedly did not possess a permit to carry the firearm outside his immediate duty area.

This practice allegedly created an opportunity for the suspects.

The theft occurred sometime in the early hours of Sunday. Upon returning to his post, the guard discovered his weapon missing and promptly reported the incident to the police.

Investigators then launched a review of available CCTV footage from the vicinity of Barangay Balite, where the gadget store is located. The video evidence reportedly captured the two suspects walking away from the area with what appeared to be the stolen firearm.

A crucial breakthrough in the investigation came when a village official recognized the individuals from the surveillance footage.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Sabulao noted that the suspects were known in the barangay due to numerous prior complaints related to theft.

This local familiarity proved instrumental in their identification and subsequent apprehension.

During questioning, the arrested suspects admitted to taking the firearm, claiming it was an opportunistic act.

One of the suspects was quoted as saying, "We saw it lying on the stairs; we were planning to sell it. We also lacked money, for budget." This statement suggests a motive driven by financial desperation and the perceived ease of the theft.

Both individuals are currently detained at the Rodriguez Municipal Police Station and are facing formal charges of robbery.

The recovery of the firearm is a significant development, preventing it from potentially being used in other criminal activities.

Beyond the criminal charges, the incident also raises questions regarding the security guard's adherence to professional protocols.

Police officials stated that the security guard's employer would be responsible for deciding on any disciplinary action against him for allegedly abandoning his firearm and temporarily leaving his post.

Security regulations in the Philippines strictly govern the handling and safekeeping of firearms by authorized personnel, emphasizing constant vigilance and proper control over weapons to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

The case highlights the broader challenges law enforcement faces in curbing firearm-related crimes and ensuring strict compliance with security protocols, even for armed professionals.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a Cessna 172 training plane with tail number RPC 2211 crashed in an agricultural area in Iba, Zambales on Friday morning. Four people were injured: flight instructor Capt. Jacques Robert Papio and student pilots Angelo Josh Quinsayas, Kisses Nunez Althea, and Jericho Bernardo Palma. According to P/Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, the plane was owned by Skyaero Trade and was on a routine training flight. CAAP Director General Raul Del Rosario ordered an investigation through the CAAP Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh