Police Officer Arrested in Bulacan Robbery String
Authorities apprehended a police officer in Batangas during a follow-up operation, linking him to a series of robbery-holdup incidents in Bulacan towns. This arrest came a day after the suspect and his group allegedly raided a business establishment in Sta. Maria.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Local officials identified the suspect as Police Staff Sergeant Miguel Andrew Oñate, 34, who serves as the team leader of the Motorcycle Patrol Unit at Tanauan City Police Station in Batangas. He is also a resident of Barangay Sala in Tanauan City.
The Sta. Maria police chief, Col. Voltaire Rivera, reported that Oñate was caught in a hot-pursuit operation on Thursday. The arrest followed an incident the previous afternoon when Oñate and three unidentified accomplices reportedly raided a soft drinks warehouse in Barangay Manggahan, Sta. Maria, at around 2:30 p.m.
Details of the Robbery Incident
According to community members, the suspects, armed and disguised with bonnets and face masks, restrained warehouse staff before stealing the day’s cash collections and other valuables. Investigators traced the suspect through closed-circuit television footage, which captured Oñate’s face mask slipping during the robbery.
Authorities also identified the getaway vehicle’s plate number, which had been rented by Oñate. Rental documents, including a copy of his ID, further confirmed his identity.
Link to Other Robbery Incidents
Based on ongoing investigations, local leaders noted that the group led by Oñate was also responsible for earlier robbery-holdup cases in Bocaue and Angat towns. Police continue to pursue leads to capture the remaining three accomplices who remain at large.
Items Recovered from the Suspect
During the arrest, authorities recovered several items from Oñate, including a caliber .45 pistol, three high-capacity magazines loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition, a replica caliber .45 pistol (Double Eagle), two license plates, and three plastic bags of coins labeled “Mentos.”
Other confiscated items included seven Android smartphones, two keypad phones, a katana (samurai sword), a green-and-black bolt cutter, and 59 white cable ties.
Ongoing Investigation
Police officials reported that the investigation is ongoing as they work to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the string of robbery-holdup incidents in Bulacan towns. The community remains vigilant as authorities intensify their efforts to restore safety and order.
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