By Jennifer P. Rendon
Almost two months into the investigation, police have identified and formally charged the suspects in the Iloilo Supermart robbery in Jaro, Iloilo City.
The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Iloilo Supermart Robbery has named alleged members of the “Termite Group Visayas” as the perpetrators behind the PHP 1.3-million heist.
The suspects were charged with violating Article 299 of the Revised Penal Code, or Robbery with Force Upon Things. Those charged include:
- Alias Neil of Barangay Nacagay, Sagada, Mountain Province;
- Alias Christopher of Barangay Sto. Niño, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, the group’s leader;
- Alias Bong of Barangay Katengan, Bisao, Mountain Province;
- Alias Abanse of Barangay Besao, Mountain Province;
- Alias Junrel of Barangay Balonai, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur; and
- A certain Iking.
Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, said the SITG used advanced investigative techniques and community collaboration to track down the suspects.
A breakthrough came when police identified the vehicle used in the robbery—a white van.
Legada withheld additional information to protect individuals who helped in tracking the suspects.
It was discovered that the suspects had the vehicle repaired and stayed at a resort in Iloilo City starting August 3.
CCTV footage showed the suspects visiting Iloilo Supermart days before the robbery, interacting with sales personnel under the guise of asking for prices.
The suspects reportedly used a vacant lot near the grocery store to park the white van.
Police recovered a flashlight, hammer, pliers, a rope, and a bucket from the area. A crowbar was also found hidden nearby.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had been traveling across Panay and Negros islands in search of potential targets.
Once a target was identified, they would conduct surveillance operations.
“The dedication and diligence of our team have been vital in advancing this case,” Legada said, adding, “We are fully committed to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice and that our community remains safe.”
Through extensive efforts, including surveillance analysis, witness interviews, and forensic investigation, the SITG gathered substantial evidence leading to the identification of the key suspects.
“Filing this case is a major step in the legal process, sending a strong message that crime will not be tolerated in Iloilo City,” Legada said.
On August 30, 2024, just three days after the robbery, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recommended creating the SITG, supervised by Legada and the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6, to comprehensively identify and apprehend the suspects. The recommendation was approved on September 3, 2024.
As the suspects remain at large, follow-up operations and intelligence coordination continue to ensure their capture.
Legada did not comment on the PHP 500,000 reward previously recommended for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas initially offered a PHP 250,000 reward for information on the suspects.
Later, Treñas announced that a group of businessmen had added PHP 250,000, bringing the total reward to PHP 500,000.
