MPD: Suspects in Binondo bank heist named; have links to ‘Parojinog group’

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Police District (MPD) has named the five persons allegedly behind the robbery at Metrobank’s Binondo branch last week.

MPD chief Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao released clearer photos of the alleged robbers during a press conference at the Manila City Hall on Monday He said witnesses “positively identified” the five men.

Photo courtesy of MPD

Police identified the first suspect as Gilcar Dumagan Mofan alias Jing Mofan. Police said Mofan has a standing warrant of arrest for murder.

“Siya po ‘yung unang pumasok sa pintuan (ng bangko),” Danao noted.

Photo courtesy of MPD

The second suspect was identified as Noli Bonifacio Casuela alias Lito Dapitan, who, according to Danao, was the second person who went inside the bank.

Meanwhile, citing “reliable source,” the MPD chief identified the third suspect as Marlon “Ailon” Parojinog.

Photo courtesy of MPD

“He’s actually the leader of the group. Wanted din ito, the same case: Robbery. Maraming kaso,” Danao pointed out.

The two remaining suspects were then identified by authorities as “Michael” with aliases “Pilay” and “Batang Calunod,” and Frederex B. Secretario.

Photo courtesy of MPD

Danao said the suspected robbers form part of a notorious group, which also engages in other illegal activities.

Asked if the five men’s group was related to the Parojinogs of Ozamiz City, Danao answered in the affirmative.

Photo courtesy of MPD

“Ang kanilang sub-leader si Noli Bonifacio Casuela. Kung minsan po pinapangalanan nila ‘yung grupo nila na Parojinog group kung minsan naman, Bonifacio group,” Danao said.

“It has been known before pa, even before my assignment sa NCR (National Capital Region), na talagang this group…iba-ibang tao lang ang ginagamit pero iisang grupo lang ‘yung kanilang pangalan. Matagal na itong ganitong klase ng trabaho ang ginagawa. Kung hindi bangko, ‘yung mga ‘martilyo’ gang. Different areas po ‘yung kanilang area of operation,” he added.

Danao further said that the group could also be responsible for the robbery at a Metrobank branch in Cagayan last year.

“The same syndicate in a way [doon sa] Metrobank in Cagayan. Kasi they have the same modus operandi, na-identify nga po doon according to sources, the same names ‘yung lumalabas, the same style. Lima din ‘yung tumira dun sa Cagayan last year,” Danao noted.

While the suspects have already been identified, the specific amount of the money stolen from the bank remains undetermined. /kga