China Bank in Commonwealth Ave, QC Robbed by Termite Gang, Robbers Dig Underground to Enter the Bank

A branch of China Bank along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City has been a victim of the so-called Termite Gang, a group of robbers who dig hole underground so they can enter the premises without being seen from outside. Apparently, this kind of robbers only robbed grocery stores and pawnshops in the past, so it appears that they have leveled up.



According to QC Police-Station Five chief Supt. Tomas Nuñez, investigators discovered two-feet wide tunnel in Barangay Greater Fairview, only around a hundred meters away from the said bank. Authorities also some of tools left by the robbers, such as metal-cutting saws and crowbars. It is also believed that the group used the drainage system.

Nuñez added that at least three Termite Gang members were able to get into the main vault, but they were not able to destroy its main door. There were also signs that the robbers knew their way around the bank, because they shut down the alarm and took away the CCTV recorder. Therefore, authorities are not ruling out a possible inside job.

The incident was discovered on Monday, and the robbery was believed to have happened during the weekend when the bank was closed. On the other hand, the guard on duty that time said he did not notice any suspicious activity, and that he has no access to the bank. China Bank did not mention how much money was stolen, but apologized to its customers.

"We are trying our resume normal operations at the branch as soon as possible. We apologize to our clients for any inconvenience, but they can meantime do transactions at nearby branches, ATMs or online. They can call their China Banker for any concerns." Alexander Escucha, SVP and head for Investor and Corporate Relations at China Bank, said.



"We are fully cooperating with the authorities investigating the incident, including determining extent of loss, The CCTV recorder is already in possession of the police. We are conducting an immediate review of security arrangements at our branches to prevent a similar incident," he added, noting that nearby branches will be open to accommodate clients.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao