CITY of San Fernando, Pampanga – Two officers from the Pampanga Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) were arrested for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery at a printing shop in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, on Wednesday night, July 16.
According to police investigation, five unidentified armed men wearing black jackets, bonnets, and face masks barged into the establishment in Barangay Tabun at around 10 p.m.
The suspects accused the shop owner and a companion of involvement in illegal drugs, then dismantled the closed-circuit television camera system.
The victims were hogtied as the suspects seized nine assorted high-end smartphones before fleeing in a black Toyota Vios with no license plates.
After managing to free themselves, the victims immediately reported the incident to the police.
A follow-up operation led to the recovery of the getaway vehicle in Bamban, Tarlac.
Inside the car, investigators found documents linking it to members of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office.
Police coordinated with the PDEU, resulting in the arrest of three suspects – two lawmen and a civilian. The stolen items were recovered.
Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) director, condemned the actions of the suspects and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to internal cleansing.
“We do not and will never tolerate abuse of power by anyone in our ranks,” Peñones said. “This incident only strengthens our resolve to cleanse our organization of erring personnel and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
The suspects have been charged with robbery with intimidation and attempted kidnapping . They also face administrative cases before the Philippine National Police.
Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for their two remaining civilian accomplices. (Liezle Basa Inigo)
