PALAYAN CITY — Authorities confirmed on March 23, 2026, that an estimated ₱1 million was stolen from the vault of GM Bank’s Caballero branch in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, in what police suspect to be the work of the notorious “Termite Gang.”

Police Regional Office 3 Director P/Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said the incident was first discovered by security guard Alvin Sindanum, 36, of Laur, Nueva Ecija, who noticed signs of forced entry early Monday morning. Investigators later found that the suspects had dug a tunnel to gain access inside the bank, a method consistent with the gang’s operations.

Once inside, the suspects forcibly opened the vault and escaped with a large sum of cash before authorities could respond. The Palayan City Police, Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, and the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) immediately launched an investigation after the crime was reported.

Police are now reviewing CCTV footage and gathering forensic evidence to determine the exact amount stolen and identify the perpetrators. As of press time, the suspects remain unidentified and at large.

The “Termite Gang” has long been associated with high-profile bank robberies across Luzon, known for their elaborate tunneling operations that allow them to bypass security systems. Authorities are now working to establish whether the Palayan City incident is linked to the group’s previous heists.

The investigation is ongoing, with police assuring the public that all leads are being pursued to bring the suspects to justice.