By Jason De Asis
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – A former policeman and two alleged accomplices were arrested after police in Bulacan swiftly foiled a broad-daylight robbery in Barangay Poblacion, Santa Maria on Tuesday.
According to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon), a 71-year-old businessman was preparing to deposit cash when one of the suspects drew a firearm and forcibly took his money. The suspect then escaped on a motorcycle driven by a cohort.
The victim immediately sought help from a nearby traffic enforcer, who alerted the Santa Maria Municipal Police. Responding officers conducting mobile patrols quickly intercepted the suspects, leading to their immediate arrest, PRO-3 said.
Recovered during the operation were the stolen PHP550,000 in cash, a Glock 22 Gen. 4 .40-caliber pistol with ammunition, and a Yamaha Mio MXi 125 motorcycle without a license plate, believed to have been used as the getaway vehicle.
A third suspect, who acted as a spotter, was later arrested in a follow-up operation.
“This incident highlights the value of vigilance and immediate reporting. Because of the timely response of our personnel and the cooperation of the community, we were able to recover the stolen money and prevent further harm,” PRO-3 Director, Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., said in a statement.
He added that the police organization remains committed to bolstering public safety through rapid and effective law enforcement action. (PNA)
