Armed robbers escaped with more than ₱1.67 million in cash following a robbery and shooting incident along the Secondary National Highway in Sitio Miranda, Barangay Damilag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on the morning of June 17.
According to the Manolo Fortich Municipal Police Station, two unidentified suspects aboard a Ford Ranger Wildtrak intercepted a Toyota Vios carrying three employees of South Bank Libona who were on their way to deposit cash.
Initial investigation showed that the suspects opened fire on the victims’ vehicle at around 9:40 a.m.
Police said the driver and a security guard aboard the vehicle exchanged gunfire with the suspects during the attack.
The firefight continued until the security guard reportedly ran out of ammunition. The suspects then ordered the victims to surrender a bag containing ₱1,677,000 in cash.
After taking the money, the suspects fled toward the Sayre Highway.
Despite multiple bullet holes found in the victims’ vehicle, authorities said none of the occupants sustained injuries during the incident.
Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and dragnet checkpoints to identify and arrest the suspects.
Investigators are gathering evidence and reviewing information that could help track down those involved in the robbery.
Authorities have yet to determine the identities of the suspects and whether additional individuals participated in the crime.
The incident remains under investigation.
Police reminded the public and businesses handling large amounts of cash to observe proper security measures and immediately report suspicious activities to authorities.
Law enforcement agencies continue efforts to locate the suspects and recover the stolen money as the search operation remains ongoing.
