PEÑONES
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Police Regional Office-3 has relieved five police officers for allegedly robbing a private contractor of P14 million in his home in Barangay Santa Cruz, Porac, Pampanga recently.
PRO-3 chief Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Penones Jr. said their relief is standard procedure while the investigation is ongoing.
A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) was created to conduct a deeper probe and ensure an airtight case.
Penones assured that all concerned units are securing evidence, validating timelines, and reviewing relevant information to establish full accountability.
He assured that justice will be served and involved policemen will be accountable and face charges once the investigation is complete.
“Any police officer who abuses the badge will face criminal and administrative charges. Walang palusot (No excuses). Any misconduct in Central Luzon will not be tolerated,” Penones said.
The suspects were a police major who is a station commander in Angeles City, a police corporal and two police staff sergeants who are his intelligence operatives, and another police corporal assigned to the Zambales Provincial Police Office who was previously detailed in Angeles City.
Investigation said four of the five police officers, with their faces covered to conceal their identity, entered the victim’s home on Tuesday night, Nov. 25.
The suspects forced the victim, family, and guests into a comfort room before taking the money.
The police major was not seen on security footage but Peñones said there was a strong indication he was the mastermind behind the incident.
Three of the suspects have previous derogatory records such as shooting and robbery-extortion. (With a report from Martin Sadongdong)