A BELGIAN national was killed, while her wife was injured after four unidentified armed robbers ransacked their house in Villa Angela, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City Wednesday morning, June 17, 2020.
Police identified the fatality as Carl Nolens, 76. Injured was his wife Liza Marie.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, spokesperson of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said Nolens sustained wounds on his stomach when one of the robbers, who was wearing a mask, fired at him around 1:50 a.m.
The victim was rushed to the Metro Bacolod Medical Center, but he did not survive.
Investigation showed the robbers entered the house by detaching the grill fence. They climbed a tree near the terrace on the second floor and took two bags containing cash and jewelleries.
Pico said Nolens tried to fight back, but one the robbers fired at him on the stomach and fled.
He said Nolens's wife was injured after she jumped off from the second floor of their house, while two of their companions inside the house were also tied up by the robbers in a room.
Police Station 4 is also investigating if the robbers also tried to rob a house near the area after a dog was found poisoned.
Police recovered from the crime scene several empty shells of M-15 rifle and short firearm.
Pico said they have already persons of interest and they are members of an organized robbery group operating in Negros Occidental.
He said BCPO Director Colonel Henry Binas immediately ordered a manhunt operation to arrest the robbers.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia also ordered Binas to thoroughly investigate the incident, intensify police presence and deployment to prevent a similar incident.
He said the police have already zeroed in on some principal suspects and is on hot pursuit of the same.
"I have given instructions to them to apprise me on every step of the way on the developments and progress of the investigation which I consider an utmost concern and priority. We condole with the family of the victim as we assure them of the city's involvement and assistance in the resolution of the case at the soonest possible time," he added.
Binas also directed Police Station 4 commander Major Charles Gever and its investigators on the case to thoroughly investigate the case and give justice to the death of the victim.
BCPO also asked the assistance of Regional Intelligence Division, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Regional Drug Enforcement Unit to solve the case.
"For now, the investigators already have persons of interest or suspects. They belong to a notorious robbery group operating in the island of Negros including Negros Oriental," Binas said.