Ang Pahayagan

PAMPANGA — In a firm stance against misconduct within its ranks, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) vowed to intensify its internal cleansing program following the arrest of two police officers allegedly involved in a robbery incident in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Initial investigations revealed that around 10:00 PM on July 16, 2025, five armed individuals clad in black jackets, bonnets, and face masks forcibly entered a printing shop in Barangay Tabun. The suspects allegedly restrained the victims using cable straps, dismantled their CCTV system, and accused them of being involved in illegal drug activities. The perpetrators then fled with nine high-end smartphones onboard a black Toyota Vios with no license plate.

A swift follow-up operation led authorities to an abandoned vehicle matching the getaway car’s description in Barangay San Vicente, Sacobia, Bamban, Tarlac. Upon inspection, documents found inside the vehicle linked it to members of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office. This discovery prompted immediate coordination with the said unit, resulting in the arrest of two personnel and the recovery of the stolen items.

The arrested officers were informed of their constitutional rights and subjected to inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Mabalacat City. They are facing charges of Robbery with Intimidation and Attempted Kidnapping, filed through online proceedings with Fiscal Frederick Lagrada.

PRO3 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. condemned the actions of the suspects, stating that such behavior has no place in the PNP organization.

“We do not and will never tolerate abuse of power by anyone in our ranks,” RD Peñones Jr. said. “This incident only strengthens our resolve to cleanse our organization of erring personnel and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”

He also lauded the Mabalacat City Police Station for their swift and impartial handling of the case. In addition, PRO3 has launched an investigation into the possible filing of administrative charges against the two involved officers and their immediate supervisor.

The incident underscores PRO3’s unwavering commitment to restore and maintain public trust through accountability and transparency, particularly within its own ranks. (Jason de Asis)