PNP charges 3 suspects in Bocaue encounter, probes Luzon robbery links

The Philippine National Police has filed criminal charges against three suspects wounded in a shootout with police during an arrest operation in Bocaue, Bulacan, and is investigating their alleged links to a string of robberies in Batangas, Pampanga and Tarlac.

PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the suspects allegedly opened fire on officers who were about to serve arrest warrants, prompting police to return fire.

“About to effect the arrest ng ating mga tropa, pinaputukan po nito … so napilitan ang ating mga kapulisan na gumanti ng putok,” Co said at a press briefing on Monday.

(Our personnel were about to effect the arrest when they were fired upon, forcing them to return fire.)

The three suspects, who sustained injuries during the encounter, are now under police custody.

According to Co, the suspects had been under surveillance for at least three weeks before the operation.

Authorities are looking into their alleged involvement in robberies in Tanauan City in Batangas, Magalang in Pampanga, and Victoria in Tarlac.

Co said the incidents in Tanauan involved a convenience store and an e-tap cash machine. Another case in the city involved an attempted robbery in which the suspects allegedly opened fire after being confronted by a security guard.

Police are also linking the group to a robbery at an O!Save grocery store in Magalang and another convenience store in Victoria.

Co said the suspects are facing charges of frustrated murder, direct assault, violation of Republic Act No. 10591, and violation of Republic Act No. 9165.

Recovered from the suspects were seven sachets of suspected shabu, three hand grenades, one flashbang grenade, a Vector 9mm pistol, a .45-caliber pistol, and another firearm with no brand, trademark or serial number.

Co said investigators believe the unmarked firearm may have been unregistered or had its serial number removed.

Police are also determining whether the suspects belong to a larger criminal group.

“As our investigation progresses, malalaman po natin kung may iba pa silang kasama o ito na ang buong grupo nila,” Co said.

(As the investigation progresses, we will determine whether they have other accomplices or if this is the entire group.)

The PNP maintained that officers used only the force necessary after the suspects allegedly fired first.

“Our primordial concern is always the safety of the public,” Co said.

“We only meet with the required or commensurate force. Pagka lethal force ang in-apply sa ating police officers, they are authorized to retaliate.”

(We only use force commensurate to the threat. If lethal force is used against our officers, they are authorized to respond.)

Co said the investigation remains ongoing to determine the suspects’ possible involvement in other crimes and whether more individuals were involved.—MCG, GMA News