- Suspect claims pawnshop robbery meant to disrupt Davao peace
ONE OF the arrested suspects in the pawnshop robbery on Feb. 26 has presented a conspiracy to allegedly destabilize the city and disrupt peace, with possible political undertones.
In an interview with reporters on March 6, Johnny Dehito Bulawan, a suspect from Leyte, claimed to be informed by the group’s leader that one of the goals was to “stir up trouble in Davao.” He also said that an individual from Ozamiz, bearing a locally influential surname, had ordered the disruption.
“Samukon ang (Sow disorder in) Davao… mao nay akoang nadunggan sa akoang mga [kauban] (that’s what I’ve heard from my [colleagues]),” Bulawan said.
Bulawan admitted to initially hesitating participating in the robbery, knowing it was to be carried out in Davao City, the home of former President Rodrigo Duterte. However, he claimed financial desperation forced his hand.
He also revealed that the group had been monitoring Hannah’s Pawnshop since January, citing its perceived lax security and that he was under the influence of illegal drugs during the robbery.
Bulawan was seen on CCTV footage using a mallet to break into the pawnshop. He also confessed to doing six robberies of LBC branches in other locations in the Philippines.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief Colonel Hansel Marantan confirmed that the robbery was financed by individuals intending to disrupt the city’s peace. He identified alias Ramil and alias Takyo as the alleged financiers who provided firearms to the suspects.
He linked the robbery to the Tolentino Criminal Gang.
Marantan stated that the financiers are known to authorities, but he withheld further details due to the ongoing investigation and the pursuit of seven other suspects.
Bulawan is currently in DCPO custody and faces multiple charges.
