1 suspect killed, 3 others in custody over Batangas store robberies

One suspect was killed while three others were in custody following a police operation after a series of convenience store robberies in Batangas, authorities said on Thursday.

At a press briefing, Police Region Office 4A (PRO4A) spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Milany Martinez said a hot pursuit operation was conducted on Wednesday following a robbery in San Juan.

“Naganap ang insidente ng robbery sa isang convenience store sa San Juan, Batangas bandang 7.45 p.m. April 15, 2026,” Martinez said.

(The robbery incident occurred at a convenience store in San Juan, Batangas around 7.45 p.m. April 15, 2026.)

“Dalawang suspect ang sapilitang binuksan ang board ng tindahan at tinangay ang humigit-kumulang P136,000 bago tumakas sakay ang isang motorsiklo,” she added.

(Two suspects forced open the store’s door and stole approximately P136,000 before fleeing on a motorcycle.)

In Tiaong, Quezon, police officers flagged down two suspects aboard a motorcycle. Instead of stopping, the suspects allegedly opened fire, leading to an armed encounter.

The back rider, identified as alias “Lex” was hit in the head and was declared dead on arrival at Candelaria District Hospital.

The driver alias “Angelo” was arrested after he sustained gunshot wounds.

During the encounter, one police officer also sustained an abrasion on his left shoulder, according to the police.

Recovered from the suspects were:

• two caliber .45 pistols with magazines and ammunition
• a black sling bag containing allegedly stolen cash amounting to P186,170
• two sachets of suspected dried marijuana leaves subject for laboratory examination
• a motorcycle
• a helmet
• two fired cartridge cases

Two more suspects, alias “Phobet” and the alleged leader, alias "Hizon," surrendered to authorities.

Charges are being prepared against the suspects, while follow-up operations continue for the remaining suspect identified as the alias "Itchan," who is still at large. —VAL, GMA News