Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Eight suspects were arrested after police foiled an alleged robbery at a pawnshop in Santa Ignacia, Tarlac, on September 4, 2026.
At about 10:30 AM, Santa Ignacia police responded after the establishment’s alarm along Romulo Highway, Barangay Poblacion West, was activated and reported through 911. Upon inspection, responding personnel discovered an opening near the roll-up door and found that the suspects had allegedly used the highway drainage system to gain access to the establishment.
A follow-up operation led to the arrest of five suspects who were allegedly escaping through the same drainage system. Further investigation led police to three other alleged cohorts waiting aboard an Isuzu Elf truck in Barangay Población East, resulting in their arrest during a hot pursuit operation.
Recovered during the operations 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.
PRO3 Director PBGEN Jess B Mendez said the operation not only prevented the robbery but also removed potentially dangerous weapons and explosives from 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,” PBGEN Mendez said.
PRO3 said the incident demonstrates how timely reporting, effective security systems, and immediate police response can help prevent crimes before they cause greater harm to businesses and communities.
The suspects are now undergoing appropriate legal proceedings as PRO3 continues its intensified anti-criminality operations in support of the leadership thrust of Chief, PNP PGEN Jose Melencio C Nartatez Jr. and the commitment to deliver “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
