Three men, including a former police officer, were arrested on Tuesday morning, August 26, following a swift police response to a robbery hold-up in Barangay Poblacion, Santa Maria, Bulacan.
Santa Maria police chief Lt. Col. Voltaire Rivera, in a report to Bulacan police director Col. Angel Garcillano, identified the suspects as “Lito,” “Roque,” a former policeman; and “Ric.”
Initial investigation revealed that the victim was en route to a bank to deposit ₱550,000 when one of the suspects approached and took the cash at gunpoint.
The trio fled aboard a pink Yamaha Mio MXi 125 motorcycle with no license plate.
Santa Maria police’s rapid response under the 5-Minute Response Time (5MRT) directive led to the suspects’ immediate arrest.
Recovered from their possession were a loaded Glock 22 Gen. 4 .40 caliber pistol with 12 bullets, the getaway motorcycle, and the stolen ₱550,000 cash.
Col. Garcillano commended his team’s swift action, stating, “We will not tolerate such criminal schemes in the province. The quick arrest of the suspects reflects the readiness and decisive action of our police force to ensure public safety.”
The suspects are now in custody at the Santa Maria Police Station and will face charges of robbery hold-up and violation of Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition).
The case will be filed with the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Malolos City. (Freddie Velez)
