Aboitiz payroll taken by four highway robbers

BAKUN, Benguet -- Highway robbers allegedly forcibly took P400,000 last week here from a driver of a company which operates the Ambuklao and Binga dams in nearby Bokod town.

Police identified the driver as Ariston A. Tiangga, 38, married, native of Mankayan and a resident of km 5, La Trinidad, both towns of Benguet.

Tiangga was allegedly robbed at Gaki-an, Gambang, Bakun at about 12:45 noon on August 13.

Initial police investigation bared the victim was traversing the area when four unidentified male persons armed with handguns, wearing ski caps and fatigue military uniforms held him up.

The P400,000 in payroll money of the company and the companu owned Toyota Hi-lux bearing plate number AHL 127 he was driving was forcibly taken by the robbers who fled towards Natubleng, Buguias, Benguet.

Immediately, the victim reported the incident to Bakun police who immediately conducted patrol at Barangay Sinipsip while alarming Buguias police.

While in pursuit operation, police learned the vehicle was heading towards Bayoyo, Buyacaoan, Buguias where they found it abandoned by the robbers.

PNP personnel were still conducting checkpoints and searching for the suspects.