8 ROB SUSPECTS WHO USED HIGHWAY DRAINAGE TO GAIN ENTRY INTO PAWNSHOP NABBED

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Eight suspects were arrested in a foiled robbery at a pawnshop in Santa Ignacia, Tarlac on Friday. 

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, Santa Ignacia police responded after the pawnshop’s alarm was activated and a report was relayed through the 911 emergency hotline. 

Upon reaching the establishment along Romulo Highway in Bgy. Poblacion West, police discovered an opening near the roll-up door. 

Initial investigation showed that the suspects allegedly entered the pawnshop through the highway drainage system.

A follow-up operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects who were allegedly attempting to escape through the same drainage system.

Police then pursued their alleged accomplices and arrested three more suspects who were reportedly waiting aboard an Isuzu Elf truck in Bgy. Poblacion East.

Recovered during the operation were an improvised pistol, three hand grenades, one rifle grenade, eight sachets of suspected shabu, the Isuzu Elf truck, and various tools allegedly used in the attempted robbery.

Mendez said the swift response not only prevented the robbery but also resulted in the recovery of firearms and explosive devices that could have posed a threat to the community.

“Our personnel acted quickly on the information they received, preventing the crime and apprehending all eight suspects. The recovery of firearms and explosive devices also prevented these from posing further danger to our communities. This is the kind of quick and decisive police response that we want our people to feel,” Mendez said.

The PRO3 top cop said the incident highlights the importance of timely reporting, effective security systems and immediate police intervention in preventing crimes and protecting businesses and communities.

He added that the operation forms part of PRO3’s intensified anti-criminality campaign in support of the leadership thrust of PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and the police force’s commitment to deliver “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”