• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The persons of interest involved in the theft of P472,000 worth of batteries and motor oils at a provincial government warehouse in Bacolod City, are now being monitored by the authorities.
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto Nellas yesterday said that the provincial government of Negros Occidental will further its strengthen security, including the installation of more closed circuit TV cameras, following the theft incident.
Nellas said they are closely coordinating with the police for a case build-up.
The persons of interest are reportedly informal settlers, residing at the back of the motor pool in Brgy. 6, Bacolod City.
Nellas, however, refused to name names.
The suspects reportedly gained entrance to the motor pool through a hole they made in the concrete wall which was later discovered by Capitol personnel when an inventory was conducted.
Arnel Argusar, head of the Provincial General Services Office, revealed that they discovered the missing batteries and motor oils on October 31, during the inventory, and that the hole at the wall was only discovered when the loosened hollow blocks used by the suspects to cover the hole gave in.
Five of the 23 stolen batteries were recovered during police operations in Brgy. Pahanocoy, Argusar added.*