THIEVES yesterday broke into a warehouse of the Philippine Coast Guard in Port Area, Manila, where relief goods intended for victims of the recent quakes in Mindanao are stored.
Coast Guard spokesman Capt. Armand Balilo said three robbers were not able to take any of the donated relief goods but escaped with the cellphones and a bag of three PCG security guards.
Balilo also said the guards who were tasked to secure the warehouse were not able to immediately notice the break in because they were asleep. He said the guards have been helping load relief goods on a PCG ship since Saturday for their transport to Davao City later yesterday. “And it’s early in the morning, and its (warehouse) is closed,” he said.
Balilo said the guards discovered the break-in at around 12:30 a.m. when the thieves had fled with their cellphones and a bag containing a wallet and personal belongings.
Balilo said the suspects entered the warehouse through a window. “They were not able take any of the relief goods because the guards later sensed it (break-in). They ran after (the suspects) but didn’t catch them,” said Balilo.
He said the PCG personnel reported the incident to the PNP which promptly sent a team to conduct an investigation.
Balilo said the relief goods stored at the warehouse were donated by government agencies and private groups. He said the goods include food, water, medicines, tents, and sleeping mats.
Balilo said the Coast Guard is aiming to complete the loading of the relief goods on the BRP Malabrigo yesterday. He said the ship was due to leave Manila for Davao City later yesterday.
