And while the aggravated burglars were able to escape from under the police's nose, Dr Marvin Manzanero is reportedly being tossed aside in plain public view.
He was hailed as a healthcare hero from March to November as he battled COVID-19 on the frontlines. He was on the ground and also on our television screens delivering information on the regular.
But after contacting COVID in early December, when he returns to work on Monday - he found that he was a man without a post, without a vehicle and without a desk.
Information says that may be faced with a demotion - if he chooses not to resign. We were told his options to remain in the ministry were either to take a job in the HIV program or to become a medical officer - which are both below his current post as a Head of Department.
It's a major downgrade from Director of Health Services - one that we weren't sure was even possible under public service regs.
We reached out to the Association of Public Service Senior Managers, APSSM, to find out that Dr Manza has also gotten in touch with them about what is now taking shape as a labour grievance.
President, Sharon Frazer, told us via telephone that they are completely opposed to the apparent disrespect being levied upon Dr Manzanero. He is a public officer in a permanent post and according to Frazer, first off, you cannot have an acting DHS when there is already a DHS. Additionally, she says the rules and procedures that the public service operates under have not been followed. For one, an acting DHS was appointed without the input of the Public Service Commission.
Frazer added that unless Dr Manza was found guilty of some misconduct, the only way the post of DHS could be vacant is if he was promoted or if he resigned. She mentioned that even if they pay remained the same in a lower position, it would still be considered a demotion and that cannot happen if a person has done nothing wrong.
And if that wasn't bad enough, Frazer said it is against labor law to deal with the terms and conditions of someone's position when they are on sick leave - which Manza was on since he had been battling with COVID-19 since early December.
The APSSM says it is is now actively engaged and committed to seeing that the Good Doctor is not simply disregarded..
We also reached out to the chairman of the PSC, Charles Gibson, who explained that demotion process cannot happen if the PSC has not met. He added that, quote, "It's a lengthy process and not an overnight exercise." End quote.
