A recent armed robbery inside a private condominium unit in Cebu City has sounded a loud alarm over glaring security lapses that demand immediate attention. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, questions the very safety measures residents pay for.
A Brazen Afternoon Crime
The robbery took place on December 21, 2025, around 4:00 PM, inside a unit at a condominium building on Andres Abellana Street in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City. The fact that an armed robber could enter a private residence at such an hour underscores a significant failure in the building's security apparatus. Security guards and CCTV cameras are not mere decorations but are integral services funded by the condo dues paid by unit owners and tenants.
Legal Obligations and Management Accountability
Under Philippine law, specifically the Civil Code of the Philippines and Republic Act 4726 (The Condominium Act), the building management has a clear obligation to maintain peace and order and ensure the safety of residents. While management cannot be held directly liable for the criminal act of a third party, they can be held accountable for negligence if proven.
Potential grounds for negligence include:
- Inadequate inspection of people entering and exiting the premises.
- Faulty or insufficient security cameras.
- Lack of proper protocols for identifying visitors.
The victim, like all residents, has the right to live comfortably and securely in their own home. The robber's escape on a motorcycle, despite pursuit by the victim, further indicates a slow response time from the building's security personnel.
Calls for Action and Improved Protocols
This incident necessitates more than just a police "hot pursuit." A thorough investigation into the condominium management's security protocols is crucial. Residents must unite to pressure management to fulfill its duties. Key questions remain: How did the robber access the unit? This likely would not have happened with proper rules and vigilance from management.
To prevent a recurrence, experts recommend the following security enhancements:
- Regular roving patrols on every floor of the building.
- Installation of functional CCTV cameras on each floor.
- Ensuring all entry and exit points are recorded with clear visibility of vehicle plate numbers.
The brazen nature of the crime suggests the perpetrator may have known about lax security, seeing an opportunity. The management of the affected building must act decisively now and not wait for a more serious tragedy to occur. The safety of all residents depends on it.
