By FREDDIE VELEZ
A police officer was killed in an armed encounter with responding cops on Monday night, Nov. 10, shortly after allegedly robbing a convenience store in Marilao, Bulacan – an incident now under investigation for possible links to a wider robbery syndicate operating across Central Luzon.
According to reports received by the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3), headed by Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., the suspect was identified as Cpt. Ron, 43, assigned to the Caloocan City North Police Station, a resident of Barangay Gaya-Gaya, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
The incident began around 8:30 p.m. when Marilao Police received a report of a robbery in progress at a convenience store in Barangay Sta. Rosa I.
Responding officers confirmed the holdup and launched a pursuit operation.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspect, wearing a red jacket, posed as a customer before drawing a handgun and declaring a holdup.
He fled with approximately P20,000 in store earnings aboard a motorcycle heading toward Barangay Loma de Gato.
Police operatives intercepted the suspect during the chase and attempted to flag him down.
Instead, he opened fire, prompting officers to retaliate.
The suspect was wounded in the exchange and later declared dead at the hospital.
Verification confirmed that the slain suspect was a member of the Philippine National Police.
The PRO3 has since launched a comprehensive probe into his possible involvement in a criminal group targeting convenience stores in Bulacan and neighboring provinces.
Brig. Gen.expressed deep concern over the incident and emphasized the organization’s commitment to integrity and accountability.
“This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that no one is above the law,” Peñones said.
“Under the leadership of Acting Chief, PNP, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PRO3 remains steadfast in advancing the PNP Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) and in pursuing our Strategic Direction to Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order, and Promote Professionalism.”
Peñones reaffirmed PRO3’s commitment to internal cleansing and vowed to uphold transparency, discipline, and integrity in the delivery of police services across Central Luzon.
