THE group behind the series of robbery of pawnshops all over the region is from the Mountain Province in Luzon, the Digos City Police Office said, as it revealed it already has suspects.

The police prefer to call the group as "vault cutter" and Acetylene Gang.

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They are basing their findings on the robbery at De Leon Pawnshop in Digos City.

According to the building owner, the man who rented the stall beside the pawnshop was one Mandi Itito, described to be around 30 years old and around 5'3" in height. He claimed he was into selling surplus television.

According to outgoing Provincial Police Director Ceasario Darantinao, they believe the same group is behind the robbery of several pawnshops in Davao City.

He believes the same person also introduced himself as Joey Bermudez and is behind the robbery of Kristine Pawnshop in Toril district, Davao City.

One Joel Gawngen alias Jerome Burgoz with a female companion, Joey Tañenera, are the ones who go around looking for vacant spaces beside pawnshops that they plan to rob.

Tañenera had earlier been arrested but is out on bail.

The group is also believed to be behind the robbery of Hanna's Pawnshop in Davao City in 2005.

Darantinao said the suspects are hiding somewhere in Southern Mindanao and urged residents to be vigilant. A manhunt operation has been launched against the suspects who are now facing robbery charges. (Dondon Dinoy)