Police Captain Shot Dead After Robbing Convenience Store in Bulacan
A high-ranking police officer was killed by fellow law enforcers after robbing a convenience store in Marilao, Bulacan, highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption within the Philippine National Police (PNP) ranks.
Police Captain Ronnie Sarto, 43, chief of the Caloocan City Police Station Investigation and Detective Management Section, was shot dead during a pursuit operation on Monday evening, November 10.
The Robbery Incident
At around 7:31 PM, 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, drawing a handgun, and declaring a hold-up before fleeing with P20,000 on a motorcycle toward Barangay Loma de Gato.
The Marilao Police Station received the robbery report at 8:30 PM and immediately deployed personnel to verify and respond to the incident.
Fatal Confrontation
During a hot pursuit operation, police spotted the suspect near Heritage subdivision. When officers attempted to flag him down, the suspect allegedly drew his firearm and opened fire at the responding officers. Police returned fire, fatally wounding Sarto, who was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital around 9:30 PM.
Wider Investigation Launched
The Central Luzon regional police have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine if Sarto had connections to a criminal syndicate operating across the region. Authorities are specifically examining his "possible involvement in a syndicate engaged in a series of robberies targeting convenience stores across Central Luzon."
Pattern of Police Misconduct
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of law enforcement officers involved in criminal activities. Recent cases include former police officers allegedly serving as bodyguards for kidnappers and missing sabungero whistleblower Julie Patidongan's claims of police involvement in abductions.
In 2023, then-Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos ordered an internal cleansing within PNP ranks to remove officers with alleged drug connections, reflecting ongoing efforts to address corruption within the force.
NAPOLCOM's Response
National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan emphasized the commission's commitment to police integrity matters. "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. Ang pulis ng pulis ay ang NAPOLCOM," he told reporters.
The incident underscores the challenges facing the current administration's efforts to maintain law and order while addressing corruption within the ranks of those sworn to protect and serve the Filipino people.