3 Bulacan cops nabbed for robbery

MANILA, Philippines — Three policemen are facing criminal charges after they allegedly robbed a businessman of P30 million in cash in Balagtas, Bulacan on Wednesday, police reported yesterday.

The suspects – assigned to the Hagonoy, Malolos and Santa Maria police stations, and with the ranks of major, senior master sergeant and staff sergeant – allegedly went with four other companions to seek financial assistance from the victim who lives in a subdivision in Barangay Borol 2nd.

Col. Jean Fajardo, Philippine National Police chief information officer, said the suspects were placed under restrictive custody by the Bulacan PNP and are facing robbery complaints before the provincial prosecutor’s office.

Fajardo said the PNP is also validating information that one of the suspects provided unauthorized security escort services to the victim.

Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Central Luzon regional police director, said the incident cast a shadow on the police force and undermined PNP efforts to develop public trust.

“Rest assured there will be no cover-up. If found guilty, those responsible will be held accountable and face the full consequences of their actions,” Hidalgo said, adding that he would never condone any unlawful acts by his officers.