Gold buyer loses P575,000 to three robbers in heist

BY DEXTER A SEE

ITOGON, Benguet – Police are still trying to establish identity of three masked men who barged into the house of a 38-year-old male gold buyer who lost P575,000 in cash and gold nuggets during the heist at their house at Riverside, Balatoc, Virac here about 8 p.m. on Dec. 29.

Chief Supt. Eugene G. Martin, regional police director, identified the robbery victim as Elvis Dupyao, 38, married, gold buyer, native of Hingyon, Ifugao, and resident here.

The victim was reportedly robbed of P305,000 cash, P275, 000 in gold nuggets, assorted cell phones, and valuables.

Police investigation showed the victim and members of his family were inside their house preparing for late dinner when three masked men armed with hand guns suddenly barged in the open door, poked their guns at the members of the family and announced the holdup.

One of the robbers ransacked the victim’s house, while the two others watched over the other members of the family and held his four-year-old nephew as hostage so other people in the house would not make any attempt to seek help.

After a few minutes, the robbers fled, leaving behind their hostaged child. They fled aboard a Toyota Revo vehicle parked a few meters from the house. Dupyao informed investigators one of the robbers was familiar to him when he saw his face when his mask accidentally fell.