Ceneco Hold-up well-planned, organized

THE suspects in the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) robbery seem to be familiar with the office. They knew where to go because they immediately went inside the cashier's office. They have executed the heist without panic, without intention to hurt or kill those inside, an official said.

Ceneco president Atty. Arnel Lapore made the statement Friday about the brazen broad daylight robbery, which divested Ceneco of P3.6 million in just two to three minutes.

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Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Ricardo dela Paz corroborated Lapore’s statement in a separate interview.

“It seems that they have the blueprint of the structure of the Ceneco building or there’s somebody who possibly gave them the information,” said Dela Paz.

The robbers knew the number of guards on duty and their respective posts; they knew where the main entrance and exit of the Ceneco main office; and they knew the entrance and exit gates of the Ceneco compound.

The suspects also knew that there are no CCTV cameras, which can help identify them.

They knew that the day’s collection is kept overnight in a safe in the main office and they also knew where the vault is. They knew what time the armored car and armed guards of Ceneco’s depository bank would pick up the collection.

Moreover, they knew that, during the early office hours of March 2, there would be only a few employees in the cashiers’ area because most of the employees would be at the building’s upper floor attending the traditional First Friday mass.

Lapore said the robbers were precise in their moves that the security guards inside and outside the main office were quickly disarmed.

Lapore also disclosed that Ceneco officials had already addressed the installation of CCTV camera last December yet. However, the installation was delayed.

He explained that, when Friday’s heist occurred, the guards of Villmapi and Life Guard security agencies had just replaced the personnel of JJL and New Vita security agencies.

The installation of the CCTV is part of the package of the newly hired security agencies to enhance the security measures in Ceneco, said Lapore.

Villmapi and Life Guard were supposed to take-over the electric coop’s security last January 16. However, the take-over was delayed because a Temporary Restraining Order was issued by a local court, which effectively stalled the change of security agencies.

Lapore ordered Friday the new security agencies to put up the CCTV camera within three days.

He added that they are also conducting an internal investigation to determine if their security guards have committed lapses.

Lapore could not conclude yet that the heist was an inside job, though he admitted that it was an awakening and learning experience.

Lapore appealed to the public to inform the police of any information, which can lead to the identification of the suspect.

Ceneco also mulls coming up with a cash reward for any information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspects, Lapore added.

Obviously an Inside Job.