Two notorious men allegedly involved in a series of robberies in Rizal Province were arrested during a follow-up operation after a convenience store robbery in Rodriguez, Rizal on Saturday, March 28.

The operation was conducted by the San Mateo Municipal Police Station in coordination with other police units, resulting in the arrest of “Uwa,” 21, and “Kim,” 23, both residents of Taguig City.

Prior to the operation, the suspects reportedly robbed a convenience store in Barangay San Jose, with one suspect posing as a customer before declaring a hold-up at gunpoint, while the other acted as a lookout and driver outside the establishment.

Under threat, the suspect ordered the store crew to open the cash register and took an estimated P4,000. The suspects then quickly fled on a motorcycle toward Dao Street in Barangay San Jose.

Authorities immediately conducted a thorough investigation, including reviewing CCTV footage and follow-up operations, which led to the identification and arrest of the suspects.

One of the victims also confirmed the identity of one of the suspects after being shown photographs while the suspects were already in police custody.

Further investigation and verification led authorities to believe that the arrested suspects may also be involved in a series of related robberies recorded in various parts of the province.

The suspects are currently detained at the San Mateo Custodial Facility while robbery charges are being prepared against them.

“Patuloy naming palalalimin ang imbestigasyon dito upang masugpo ang mga nakawan at iba pang kriminalidad sa Rizal. Ang Rizal PPO ay mananatiling mahigpit at walang kompromiso upang mapanagutin sa batas ang mga gumagawa nito (We will continue to intensify the investigation to curb robberies and other criminal activities in Rizal. The Rizal PPO will remain firm and uncompromising in holding those responsible accountable under the law),” Rizal PPO Provincial Director Col. Eleazar Barber said.