Sure, it’s a crime—but does it really warrant the presence of President Noynoy Aquino and Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas?
“At around 7pm on Sunday, Dec 15, the so-called Martilyo Gang caused panic at SM North Edsa after they attacked the jewelry section of the mall’s department store and made of with a loot that’s been estimated to amount to PHP5 million,” reports GMA News Online.
The report went on to noted that “Aquino and Roxas had check on the crime investigation themselves, leading many to wonder what the national interest was.” Aquino was even seen talking to security personnel.
In any case, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Carmelo Valmoria reiterated that that firearms were not used to commit the crime, contrary to some reports saying that people heard gunshots. The report also revealed that “receipts were found by police along with the hammers and crowbars used by the gang,” prompting investigators to speculate that the gang must have bought the hammers and crowbars at the mall as well.
The Martilyo Gang also robbed SM Megamall in January this year. Aquino and Roxas didn’t rush to the scene back then.
Photo from MorgueFile
