Taguig City: An automated alarm signal foiled an attempt by a 54-year-old man to rob a bank in Taguig City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.

According to Philippines News Agency, NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin reported that the suspect, known as alias Bernard, entered the bank around 3 p.m. Monday, posing as a regular client. After gaining the trust of the staff, he requested to use the restroom but emerged moments later with a loaded 9mm pistol.

The suspect pointed the firearm at a female branch service officer and ordered the marketing officer to open the vault. He then instructed a male employee to transfer PHP7.4 million cash into a camouflage backpack. Despite the tense situation, the marketing officer managed to activate the automated alarm signal, which prompted police officers from Substation 2 to respond quickly and neutralize the threat.

The swift response by the cops led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of PHP7.4 million. Maj. Gen. Aberin attributed the police's immediate action to the Joint Anti-Bank Robbery Action and Cyber Crime Coordinating Committee (JABRACCC), a partnership between the Philippine National Police and the private sector. He noted that the committee has improved the preparedness of law enforcement units in dealing with bank-related crimes through clear protocols, coordination, and real-time response strategies.

The suspect is now under police custody and will face multiple charges.