By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

An estimated P9 million worth of jewelry was stolen in a heist at a shopping mall in Negros Occidental’s Silay City early Thursday morning, February 16.

City police chief, Lt. Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca said, based on closed-circuit television footage, three unidentified suspects broke inside the Gaisano Mall Silay at around 1:14 a.m.

The suspects gained access to the mall by drilling a hole in the concrete wall in a vacant lot.

They immediately went to the Yung Luck kiosk and destroyed the locks using a bolt cutter.

The three suspects were wearing jackets and bonnets at the time of the incident.

Police recovered from the crime scene were construction gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, a bonnet, and two used condoms.

Darroca said they are now coordinating with other police intelligence units if they are monitoring any new criminal groups.

Police are also not denying the possibility that the heist was an inside job.

The investigation is ongoing./DGB, WDJ