(Photo courtesy of PNP-PIO)
LAGUNA – Six suspected robbers were arrested in Laguna on November 11, just hours after allegedly holding up a convenience store in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.
The suspects were apprehended in Barangay San Andres, Alaminos, Laguna, following a coordinated operation by police units from Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
Police identified the arrested individuals through their aliases as Mark, 24; Patrick, 23; Gian, 18; JM, 19; John, 24; and James, 22.
According to the initial investigation, the suspects allegedly entered a convenience store in Barangay Pambuan, Gapan City, on the evening of November 10, posing as customers before announcing a robbery.
The group allegedly threatened and restrained two store employees before taking cash, mobile phones and other valuables. They then fled aboard a white commuter van.
Following the robbery report, the Gapan City Police Station requested assistance from neighboring police units, prompting Police Regional Office 4A to coordinate with Police Regional Office 3.
Authorities established checkpoints and monitored possible escape routes, eventually locating and arresting the six suspects in Alaminos, Laguna.
Police recovered the white commuter van believed to have been used in the robbery, along with cash, seven mobile phones, assorted SIM cards, prepaid cards and other items considered relevant to the investigation.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the participating police units for their swift response and coordination across regional boundaries.
“Ang ganitong resulta ay bunga ng mabilis na pagtugon, maayos na koordinasyon, at iisang layunin ng ating mga kapulisan. I commend the personnel involved for working together beyond regional boundaries,” Nartatez said.
He emphasized that timely information-sharing and cooperation among police units were essential to responding effectively to criminal incidents.
The operation was carried out under the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations initiative, which aims to strengthen police responsiveness and coordination.
The six suspects remain in police custody while investigators complete documentation and prepare appropriate criminal charges.
Authorities said the investigation would proceed in accordance with due process and the legal rights of those arrested.
