2 cops arrested in Pampanga for alleged robbery

PAMPANGA — Two members of the Pampanga Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) are now facing criminal charges after being linked to a robbery incident in Mabalacat City last Wednesday night, according to the Central Luzon regional police.

Based on initial investigation, five armed men clothed in black jackets, bonnets, and face masks forcibly entered a printing shop in Barangay Tabun at around 10:00 p.m. 

The suspects tied up the victims, dismantled the shop’s CCTV system, and accused them of involvement in illegal drugs. 

Before fleeing, the group took nine assorted high-end smartphones and escaped aboard a black Toyota Vios with no license plates.

A follow-up operation led authorities to the abandoned getaway vehicle in Barangay San Vicente, Sacobia, Bamban, Tarlac. 

Upon inspection, police found documents linking the car to members of the Pampanga PDEU. 

The discovery triggered coordination with the unit, resulting in the arrest of two personnel and the recovery of the stolen items.

The suspects were immediately arrested and charged with robbery with intimidation and attempted kidnapping.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Regional Director PBGen Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. strongly condemned the involvement of police officers in the crime and vowed that the region’s internal cleansing campaign will remain relentless.

“We do not and will never tolerate abuse of power by anyone in our ranks,” Peñones said in a statement.

“This incident only strengthens our resolve to cleanse our organization of erring personnel and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” the statement read.

Peñones also lauded the Mabalacat City Police Station for their swift action and impartial handling of the case. 

He added that PRO3 has initiated an investigation for the possible filing of administrative cases against the suspects, including their immediate supervisor.