The arrest of two suspects in the robbery-slay of three cellphone technicians in Cagayan signals a more aggressive campaign by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against street-level crime.
PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. on Sunday reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of heinous crimes are quickly brought to justice.
“This arrest shows our enhanced intelligence-driven operations at the grassroots level. Our commitment is not only to prevent crime but to ensure fast police response against law offenders,” Nartatez said.
Two male suspects, aged 31 and 48, were arrested on March 13 in Barangay San Juan, Buguey, Cagayan in connection with the robbery that killed three cellphone technicians in Lal-lo town.
Authorities recovered several firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, and mobile phones from the suspects, including a 9mm pistol, an M16 rifle with a defaced serial number, improvised shotguns, and a rifle grenade.
The victims’ bodies were found along a provincial road in Barangay Sta. Teresa, Lal-lo on March 12.
Initial investigation showed the victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Robbery is believed to be the motive after P1.1 million and a cellphone belonging to one of the victims were reported missing.
The victims had traveled from Tuguegarao City for a supposed gold sale meeting near Grupo Medico De Dios Hospital in Barangay Bulala, Calamaniugan, Cagayan.
Nartatez said the operation also highlighted the crucial role of community cooperation in solving high-profile crimes.
“The coordination between the community and the local police was vital here. This is proof that when the public has trust in the police, cases are resolved faster,” he said.
The PNP chief also expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
“To the families of the victims, we offer our deepest condolences. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan. Justice is being served, and we will ensure the prosecution is airtight,” he said.
