Isko Moreno: Metrobank ‘unwilling’ to cooperate in probe into Binondo robbery

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreano” Domagoso. INQUIRER.net file photo / Katrina Hallare

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Friday said Metrobank is “unwilling to cooperate” in the investigation into the robbery that hit the bank’s Binondo branch.

“Kaso ito nga unwilling to cooperate yung victim [Metrobank management]. Ito lang yung kilala kong biktima na may agam-agam o doubt,” Moreno said in a press conference at the Manila City Hall on the Metrobank Binondo branch heist just a day ago.

READ: Robbers hit Metrobank’s Binondo branch

When asked about how much was stolen by the armed robbers, Moreno said Metrobank has yet to report to them the exact amount.

“By this time yesterday, they [Metrobank] should know because bank has limited numbers of cash. Limited na yung cash as a general rule but just to answer your query wala pa ring binibigay na eksaktong amount,” Moreno said.

Moreno also appealed to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to look into Metrobank’s security protocol after it refused to immediately allow law enforcers.

“We call the attention of BSP kasi sila ginamit na dahilan kung bakit yung SOCO [Scene of the Crime Operatives, natengga yung chief ng [Manila Police District]. He is there already for 45 minutes,” Moreno said.

According to MPD chief Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., Metrobank’s personnel only allowed police officers to enter the bank branch two hours after the robbery.

The bank personnel cited BSP rules as a reason to delay the police officer’s inspection of the branch.

READ: Isko Moreno questions Metrobank’s security protocol on robberies