Cashier masterminds fake robbery in Quezon City grocery

• CCTV footage revealed a fake holdup inside a Quezon City grocery, where suspects staged an armed robbery involving a cashier
• Police later confirmed it was an inside job, with the 21-year-old cashier identified as the alleged mastermind
• Four suspects were arrested, including a 23-year-old, a 20-year-old lookout, and a 17-year-old minor; authorities recovered a replica gun and P13,200
• All suspects admitted guilt, claiming financial hardship drove them to commit the crime; they now face robbery charges and other violations

What initially appeared to be a terrifying armed robbery inside a grocery store in Quezon City turned out to be an elaborate scheme dubbed the “holdap me” modus, with the cashier himself identified as the alleged mastermind.

According to a report by James Agustin on GTV News Balitanghali, CCTV footage captured two suspects entering the grocery in Barangay San Antonio posing as customers.

Moments later, one pulled out a gun and aimed it at the cashier, while another suspect in a grey jacket brandished a knife.

The cashier then handed over P28,000 in store earnings, and the suspects quickly fled.

Police follow-up operations led to the arrest of a 20-year-old lookout, who turned out to be a former employee of the same grocery.

Authorities also recovered the clothes worn during the heist. Later, a 23-year-old and a 17-year-old were arrested, with police seizing a replica firearm and P13,200 of the stolen cash.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Baula, Commander of the Masambong Police Station, revealed.

“Allegedly, nag-text 'yung kahero na ‘Pumasok na kayo, wala nang tao.’ Kaya tinuga rin siya na siya ang nagplano ng lahat. Actually magkakaibigan sila, magkakakilala sila.”

The 21-year-old cashier, who had only worked at the store for seven months, was later arrested. The suspects admitted to the crime, citing financial hardship as their motivation.

“Financial need po kasi, mga expenses po,” said the 20-year-old.

Another suspect added: “Pellet gun lang po ‘yun… aminado naman po ako sa nagawa kong kasalanan.”

The suspects now face charges of robbery, with additional complaints for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act against the 23-year-old.

The minor has been turned over to Molave Youth Home.

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 stories for all of the ordinary people in the country as today.

In other news, VP Sara Duterte revealed in a statement that her father was found unconscious inside his ICC detention facility and later subjected to medical tests. The Vice President criticized the ICC, saying it failed to address even an “easily treatable” ingrown toenail and ignored calls for a 24-hour caregiver. She denounced the detention as unjust and inhuman, stressing it amounts to punishment without conviction. VP Sara urged the ICC to act immediately, calling for proper care and humanitarian consideration for the former president.

Still in other news, a taxi was severely damaged after a large tree fell on it inside Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City. The incident was caused by the strong winds from Severe Tropical Storm Opong (#OpongPH). The taxi driver was reported safe and escaped without injury, despite the vehicle being crushed. Araneta City management confirmed the cause and committed to providing assistance for the driver and the vehicle's repair.

Source: KAMI.com.gh