2 COPS, COHORT NABBED FOR ALLEGED ROBBERY IN MABALACAT CITY

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Three persons, including two police officers, who were accused of involvement in a robbery incident were arrested by the authorities.

The Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPO( said the two officers are both assigned at the Pampanga Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU).

The alleged robbery occurred in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on  July 16.

The Pampanga PPO strongly condemned the alleged involvement of police personnel in the robbery.

“We have already taken swift action to investigate the incident, which initially involved unidentified suspects but later led to the identification of certain members of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit,” Pampanga police director Col. Eugene Marcelo said.

“The individuals involved have been placed under arrest, and appropriate criminal and administrative charges are being prepared against them,” he added.

The Pampanga top cop directed the Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure full transparency and accountability of the suspects.

Initial investigation revealed that unidentified armed men wearing black jackets, bonnets, and face masks forcibly entered a printing shop in Bgy. Tabun, Mabalacat City.

Marcelo said victims Jaydee Malit, 34, and Florendo Calago, 36, both residents of Bgy. Tabun,  were tied with cable straps, their CCTV system was dismantled, and they were accused of involvement in illegal drugs. 

The suspects then fled on a plateless car with nine assorted high-end smartphones.

Follow-up operations led to the recovery of the abandoned getaway vehicle in Bgy. San Vicente, Sacobia, Bamban, Tarlac.

During inspection, probers recovered a document that linked the vehicle to members of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit-Pampanga Police Provincial Office. 

Marcelo said coordination with the unit resulted in the arrest of two of its personnel identified as alias “Izon” and alias “Aram,” and civilian alias “Mack” and the return of the stolen items.

“To the public, your trust is our most valuable asset. I call on you to remain vigilant and continue working with us. Together, we will hold accountable those who abuse power and ensure that the PNP remains an institution of integrity, service, and justice,” Marcelo said.

Menwhile, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. commended the Mabalacat City police for their swift and impartial handling of the case.

“We do not and will never tolerate abuse of power by anyone in our ranks,” the Central Luzon top cop said.