THREE unidentified men robbed a fashion accessory store in downtown Cebu City yesterday morning.
At least 200 pieces of silver fashion accessories were taken from J and A Wholesale For You owned by Australian national Art Burroughes and his business partners.
The stolen items were worth at least P300,000.
Store attendant Blessa Tingal and her son were the only persons inside the store when the robbery occurred. Another male employee, Bernie Basadre, was out for breakfast when the robbers struck around 9 a.m.
SPO2 Jeffrey Diola, City Intelligence Branch (CIB) investigator, said one of the robbers was seen visiting the shop a few days ago and pretended to be a costumer.
Police said the robber went to the store and told the attendant to have his necklace fixed.
Moments later, the man poked a gun at Tingal and declared a holdup.
Police said it was the robber who gave Tingal the bag where the stolen jewelry was placed.
The robber had two companions who served as lookouts. The robbers fled on a motorcycle.
Jujitza Tingal told Cebu Daily News the robber took male accessories which are more expensive than the accessories for women.
Jujitza said the store opened eight months ago and they were still looking for funds for the installation of a security camera.
“Mao na among gitiguman kay mahal-mahal man gud”, she said.
Tingal said Basadre served as the store security but he was out for breakfast when the robbers struck.
Jujitza said she personally saw the robber when he visited the store several days ago.
/CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON