In a major breakthrough, the Pampanga PNP successfully arrested seven suspects, including the mastermind, linked to the brutal murder of an online seller couple on October 4, 2024, in Santo Rosario, Mexico, Pampanga.
The arrests were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the tracker teams from the Mexico Municipal Police Station, along with the Pampanga Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB), and the 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC), who conducted an intensive manhunt operation from October 13 to 14. Their dedicated efforts led to the apprehension of two key suspects in Nueva Ecija: Alias “Roldan,” an online seller, identified as the gunman, and Alias “JR,” identified as the backrider. During the operations, law enforcement officials seized a total of nine firearms, including three 9mm pistols, five .45 caliber pistols, a .22 caliber rifle, and an air gun.
Police Brigadier General Redrico Atienza Maranan, the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), announced the successful arrest and identification of the suspects together with Police Colonel Jeffrey Decena, Acting Deputy Regional Director for Administration, Police Colonel Reynaldo S. Ogay Jr., Deputy Regional Director for Operations, and Police Colonel Jay C. Dimaandal, the Provincial Director of Pampanga Police Provincial Office, during a press conference held at the Patrol Hall of PRO 3, Camp Captain Julian Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, on October 15, 2024.
During the press conference, PCol Dimaandal explained the motive behind the gruesome murder. According to the mastermind, Alias “Almon,” who was a friend of the victims, he owed the couple Php13 million. This debt is believed to have driven him to orchestrate the killing. The other accomplices involved in the crime were identified as Alias “Malon,” “Dondon,” “Sanjo,” and “Obet.”
Authorities further revealed that the suspects were part of an organized criminal group actively engaged in gun-for-hire operations in the provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Bataan. The suspects now face charges of double murder, and the Pampanga PNP is in the process of preparing the necessary legal documents to be filed in court, ensuring justice for the victims’ family.
PBGen Maranan commended the dedication of the police teams involved in the operation. He emphasized the PRO3’s commitment to holding all those responsible accountable and ensuring peace in the region, stating “Our mission to ensure the safety and security of our community remains our top priority”.
This case, which had drawn widespread attention and concern, marks a significant victory for PNP under the leadership of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police, serving as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of crime, embodying the tagline, “Ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!”
