Over P1 million in cash was stolen from a commercial establishment in Iloilo City by robbers who gained access through a drainage system.

The robbers ransacked a vault that contained proceeds worth P1.3 million at Iloilo Supermart - Tabuc Suba branch in the district of Jaro, Iloilo City.

Police Major Eduardo Siacon, officer in charge of the Iloilo City Police Station 9, in an interview with GMA Super Radyo Iloilo said that it is not confirmed yet whether the crime was perpetrated by a group called “Termite Gang."

He added that the "inside job" angle to the incident was not considered in the investigation.

Tools were recovered from the drainage area such as a crowbar and a hacksaw, as well as a styrobox believed used to keep food.

Siacon said that based on statements of employees, they heard of thudding and similar noise coming from the drainage area prior to the incident, but when checked no one was seen in there.

The hole bored to get into the establishment reached approximately five to eight meters.

Reward for leads to determine the identities of the robbers has already reached P500,000.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas disclosed that a group of businessmen pledged P250,000 on top of the P250,000 reward money he offered earlier.

(via R. Tenorio, I. Aguana/GMA Super Radyo Iloilo)