A police officer’s involvement in a robbery at a convenience store in Marilao, Bulacan raised concerns among Filipinos regarding safety and the role of uniformed men in such incidents.
Reports said that Police Captain Ronnie Sarto of the Caloocan City North Police Station visited a convenience store in Barangay Santa Rosa, Marilao, on the evening of Monday, November 10.
The cop was said to be the chief of the Caloocan City North Police Station’s Investigation and Detective Management Section.
Sarto posed as a customer before drawing a handgun and declaring a holdup.
He fled on a motorcycle with P20,000 of the store’s earnings and was eventually killed after a hot pursuit operation when he opened fire on the police chasing him.
The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has since launched a comprehensive probe into Sarto’s possible involvement in a criminal group targeting convenience stores in Bulacan and neighboring provinces.
Meanwhile, a police officer’s involvement in the robbery sparked concern among some Filipinos who wondered why people who are supposed to enforce the law are involved in activities that endanger the public.
“I had to reread this a couple of times… si hepe ang nangholdap?!?!???!? Oh, we are doomed, aren’t we?” an online user said.
“I thought to have misread. Paano na tayo nito? Hepe nangholdap. Sino pa ang magtatanggol sa mamamayan?” another user wrote.
“Ako lang ba ang nagbasa [nang] paulit-ulit huhu, hepe, holdaper? Hepe na ng kasamaan pala ‘to. Wala, sirang-sira na talaga ang dignidad ng PNP. Kaya ba walang nare-resolved na mga kaso kasi hepe din ang pasimuno, kalokohan na talaga,” said another Pinoy.
“Hepe??? Chief??? Pilipinas, paano na tayo?” exclaimed a different user with a crying emoji.
Police officers are mandated to enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the protection of lives and properties.
They are supposed to maintain peace and order, take necessary steps to ensure public safety, investigate and prevent crime, effect the arrest of criminal offenders, bring them justice, and assist in their prosecution.
In relation to the incident, PRO3 head Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. has expressed concern over the situation and emphasized the police’s commitment to integrity and accountability.
“This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that no one is above the law,” he said.
“Under the leadership of Acting Chief PNP Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PRO3 remains steadfast in advancing the PNP-focused agenda on enhanced managing police operations and in pursuing our strategic direction to protect the people, pursue peace and order, and promote professionalism,” Peñones added.
