Lie detector tests eyed for Fort San Pedro staff

POLICE are still investigating the Nov. 7 theft of antiques from the museum of Fort San Pedro which will reopen on Monday after being shut down for more than two weeks following the theft.

Fingerprints of several government employees didn’t match those lifted from the crime scene.

With this, Cebu City officials will consider asking staff to undergo a lie detector test with the National Bureau of Investigation, said Erwin de la Cerna, executive director of the city-run fort.

The loss of four antique swords and a bayonet from glass display cases on the ground floor was discovered on Nov. 7.

“We are still speculating,” said dela Cerna, adding that he still believes the theft was an inside job.

Police examined the fingerprints of at least nine workers, including two security guards who were on duty.

They didn’t match the prints lifted from the crime scene, said PO2 Brian Baylon of Cebu City police’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit (CSIU).

Seven maintenance crew, three administration office staff and while another one was assigned at the entrance to collect fees from visitors.

The museum has six security guards.

The stolen items were reportedly used by the Filipino revolutionaries during the Spanish colonization period.

De la Cerna, who started his new job at the fort two days before the theft was discovered, said he would recommend the installation of security cameras./Correspondent Tweeny M. Malinao