Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A robbery incident in Nueva Ecija on Tuesday afternoon, February 17, 2026, triggered a rapid police response that resulted in the arrest of one suspect and the death of another following an armed confrontation with pursuing officers.

According to reports from the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), personnel of the Gabaldon Municipal Police Station received information at approximately 2:40 p.m. regarding a robbery hold-up in Purok Ilang-Ilang, Barangay Tagumpay, Gabaldon.

The victim, identified as a female professional and resident of Nueva Ecija, was reportedly approached by two armed men who declared a hold-up before fleeing the area.

Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and coordinated with neighboring stations to intercept the suspects. At around 3:30 p.m., personnel of the Bongabon Municipal Police Station established a dragnet operation in Barangay Bantug, Bongabon after receiving information linking two motorcycle-riding individuals to the earlier incident.

Authorities attempted to flag down two motorcycles driven by unidentified male individuals, but the suspects allegedly ignored police instructions and sped away, prompting a pursuit. The suspects later crashed along the road pavement. Police said one of the suspects reportedly opened fire at a pursuing officer, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

During the encounter, one police officer sustained gunshot wounds and was immediately transported to a medical facility before being transferred to a higher-level hospital for further treatment. One suspect was wounded in the firefight and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital, while the other was arrested at the scene.

 Follow-up operations and a comprehensive investigation are ongoing to establish the identities of the suspects and determine the full circumstances surrounding the robbery.

PRO3 Regional Director Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. commended the responding personnel for their swift and coordinated action, emphasizing that rapid response is crucial in preventing further harm to the public.

“The rapid response and coordination among our operating units demonstrate our strong commitment to public safety under the PNP Focused Agenda, anchored on the 3Ps — Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order, and Promote Professionalism. We continue to strengthen our operational readiness and ensure that criminal activities are addressed swiftly and within the bounds of the law,” Peñones said.

 PRO3 reiterated its commitment to intelligence-driven and coordinated operations while encouraging the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to authorities as part of the collective effort to maintain peace and order in the community. (Jason de Asis)

📸 Swift and coordinated police action in Nueva Ecija leads to the arrest of a robbery suspect following an armed encounter, underscoring PRO3’s firm commitment to public safety and rapid response operations. (Jason de Asis)