The recent robbery at Hannah’s Pawnshop in Ilustre triggered speculation, controversy, and political finger-pointing. What should have been seen as a straightforward criminal act is now at the center of an alleged political conspiracy.
Netizens, acting as online investigators, have labeled the incident a “zarzuela”—a scripted drama allegedly orchestrated to smear Davao City’s reputation as a crime-free haven.
A heist too convenient?
Critics argue that inconsistencies in the crime scene fuel suspicions that the robbery was staged. Among the most debated observations:
- Security footage shows the suspects’ motorcycle stationary, raising doubts about whether it was part of their escape plan.
- The robbers wielded M-16 rifles, despite Davao City’s ordinance banning the entry of firearms.
- The police’s movements appeared calculated, almost choreographed, leading some to compare the incident to a poorly executed action film.
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has openly criticized the incident, even mocking the color of one suspect’s underwear. But beyond sarcasm, his accusations were sharp. He blamed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and PNP Chief Rommel Marbil for being too lenient on criminals. His words signal a deeper issue that ties into the long-running rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps.
Adding to the skepticism, the case was solved too quickly, fueling allegations that the crime was fabricated or politically motivated.
The bigger question: Was this a real robbery orchestrated to discredit Davao’s security reputation?
The Criminals Behind the Curtain
Four days after his arrest, Johny Bulawan, one of the suspects, admitted that the crime was planned as early as January, when they first surveyed Hannah’s Pawnshop. Bulawan, a jeepney driver and mechanic, confessed that his children were ashamed of his actions. However, it was too late when he realized the gravity of his crime.
Bulawan and his accomplices were allegedly promised a share of PHP 500,000 from the loot.
Bulawan’s criminal record is extensive:
- Bulawan admitted that his group had been involved in 15 cases of looting LBC branches in Luzon.
- He served three years in prison for illegal drugs.
- He first claimed that a drug lord from Bukidnon financed the operation.
- Later, he changed his statement, claiming that the purpose of the robbery was to humiliate Duterte and tarnish Davao City’s reputation.
- He also implicated a financier from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, further muddying the narrative.
The inconsistencies in Bulawan’s testimony only deepened suspicions. Was he merely a pawn in a larger scheme orchestrated by higher forces?
Pawnshop owner rejects conspiracy theories, commends police
While the political debate rages, Hannah’s Pawnshop owner has rejected claims that the robbery was a zarzuela.
“We suffered real losses. This was not a setup. This was a crime that happened, and we saw firsthand the dedication of the police in running after the criminals. They worked tirelessly to track down the suspects, and for that, we are grateful,” the owner stated.
The pawnshop has been actively assisting authorities in the case, determined not just to recover what was lost but also to help uncover the full extent of the criminal operation.
Political Undertones: A Marcos-Duterte Power Struggle?
Robbery is no longer just about crime—it has now become a symbol of the escalating political feud between the Marcos and Duterte factions.
The Duterte camp, long known for its iron-fisted approach to crime, sees this as an attack on its legacy. Mayor Baste Duterte’s public statements have echoed his father’s hardline stance, accusing the Marcos administration of failing to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, the Marcos camp, represented by PNP Chief Rommel Marbil, has downplayed the incident, treating it as just another criminal case. But the public isn’t buying it. Why was Davao, a city known for its strong anti-crime measures, targeted? Is this part of a larger agenda to weaken Duterte’s political stronghold?
Davao’s Safety Under Scrutiny
Davao City has prided itself as one of the safest cities in the Philippines, largely due to Rodrigo Duterte’s uncompromising policies against crime. This incident challenges that narrative and raises questions about whether Davao’s safety reputation is in decline.
Even more concerning, the abandoned getaway vehicle, a gray Toyota Innova (plate number ZPC 609) found in Gingoog City, was not registered in LTO XI, adding another mystery layer. How did the suspects maneuver within the city? Were they receiving inside help? Was this part of a deliberate effort to weaken public confidence in Davao’s crime enforcement?
While the Davao City Police Office has made arrests, critics argue that authorities should have prevented the crime altogether. However, crime prevention is not solely the responsibility of the police—it is a shared duty of the community. The question is: How vigilant are Davaoeños? How proactive are we in reporting suspicious activities?
