As the intensified crackdown on illegal drugs takes its toll on the narcotics trade, pushers in the province have veered away from lucrative business and have shifted to robbery instead.

This was the revelation of Supt. Nicomedes Olaivar, chief of the Tagbilaran City police, following the spate of recent robberies in the city.

On Tuesday evening, two robberies were reported in Tagbilaran City including a holdup case in Barangay Taloto at 6.pm.

Two masked male suspects wearing black jackets reportedly robbed the Taloto Mini Mart in the said village while the storekeeper, Margie Casanova, was arranging supplies.

The robbers were able to cart away P2,000.

Three hours after the incident, Romeliza Badinas, 29, was held up by a knife-wielding man near the victim’s home in Ramon Enerio St., Poblacion 3, Tagbilaran City.

The suspect was able to steal an electronic tablet worth P5,000 as he sped away on board a black XRM motorcycle.

Based on intelligence reports, Olaivar said that robbery suspects in the city are from various towns in the province.

Meanwhile, the Tagbilaran City police were able to round up on Saturday two minors who allegedly robbed a 19-year-old male in front of Holy Spirit School along J.Borja St on the same day.

Three other suspects who held up the said victim however remain at large.

According to Olaivar, the Tagbilaran City police is currently undermanned, prompting the station chief to ask the public to be vigilant against robbers.

He said that valuables such as gadgets should also be out of sight when walking in secluded public places. (Rey Tutas)

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