Saturday, February 03, 2007 Nalzaro: Apology in order By Bobby Nalzaro
IF HE has a conscience, Theft and Robbery Section Chief Alexis Relado should apologize to the relatives of slain security guard Edgar Embolode for tagging the latter as an “insider” in the P1-million heist of Dranix Distributors Inc. It was irresponsibility to the highest degree. His statement added insult to the wounded feelings of Embolode’s relatives.
Relado told reporters that Embolode was the “mole” in the group of robbers wearing police uniforms that struck the firm Monday dawn, carting away P1 million in cash. He said Embolode was the inside man but he was double-crossed. So he was killed.
Relado supported his claim with the following theories: Embolode opened the gate for the robbers and allowed their get-away vehicle to enter the compound. The robbers knew which key would open the main door of the administrative office. The security guard told the robbers they had to open the vault using an acetylene torch. There was no sign of forcibly entry. Finally, the guard asked for a transfer to the night shift.
These theories are very shallow, which only reflect how slow his investigative capabilities are.
Relado, you have no business sitting as TRS chief if you don’t know how to investigate. Embolode opened the gate because he thought the robbers were real policemen from the defunct PNP-Susia conducting an inspection. If those robbers were in civilian attire, I doubt the guard would open the gate.
How many keys did Embolode have? With or without them, it would have been just as easy for the robbers to gain entry to the admin office. Was Relado present when Embolode told the robbers to bring equipment with them so they can open the vault? Embolode asked for another shift because he was going to school. And why he was shot? Maybe he resisted. Edgardo Tambigue, another security guard on duty, was already hogtied and was kneeling when he heard the shots. He did not see the actual shooting.
If there was indeed an “insider,” I think the person came from the admin office. That person would have access to the accounting department and would know if there was money deposited in the vault. In the first place, the guards at night wouldn’t know how much was collected that weekend, plus they’re posted at the gates.
After he was heavily criticized for his statement, Relado claims it was just his personal view. If indeed it was, he shouldn’t have disclosed it to the media. You should think first before opening your big mouth.
