Police Captain Shot Dead After Robbing Bulacan Convenience Store
A high-ranking police officer was killed by fellow law enforcement personnel after robbing a convenience store in Marilao, Bulacan, highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption within the Philippine National Police ranks.
Police Captain Ronnie Sarto, 43, chief of the Caloocan City Police Station Investigation and Detective Management Section, was identified as the perpetrator of the Monday evening robbery that ended in his death.
The Robbery Incident
At approximately 7:31 PM on November 10, a man wearing a red hoodie, gray shorts, and slippers entered a convenience store in Barangay Santa Rosa I, Marilao. Security footage captured the suspect approaching store personnel behind the counter before leading staff to a stockroom where a commotion occurred.
According to police reports, Sarto posed as a customer before drawing a handgun, declaring a hold-up, and stealing P20,000. He fled the scene on a motorcycle toward Barangay Loma de Gato.
Fatal Confrontation
Marilao police launched an immediate pursuit operation after receiving the robbery report at 8:30 PM. Officers located the suspect near Heritage subdivision and attempted to apprehend him.
Police said Sarto drew his firearm and opened fire on responding officers, who returned fire, fatally wounding him. The suspect was rushed to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival at 9:30 PM.
Wider Investigation Launched
Central Luzon regional police have initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine if Sarto had connections to a criminal syndicate allegedly targeting convenience stores across the region.
The probe seeks to uncover any "possible involvement in a syndicate engaged in a series of robberies targeting convenience stores across Central Luzon," according to police officials.
Pattern of Police Misconduct
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of law enforcement personnel involvement in criminal activities. Recent cases include former police officers serving as bodyguards for kidnappers and allegations of police involvement in sabungero abductions.
In 2023, then-Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos ordered an internal cleansing within PNP ranks to eliminate officers with alleged drug connections.
"The NAPOLCOM is hands-on as far as police integrity matters are concerned. This is a commitment we are making to the Filipino People, that we will do our jobs and we will do it well," said National Police Commission Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges facing the current administration's efforts to maintain public trust in law enforcement institutions while supporting necessary reforms within the police force.