PNP Launches Investigation into Alleged P14 Million Robbery Involving Five Officers in Pampanga

The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership has initiated a thorough investigation into the reported robbery of P14 million in cash from a private contractor in Porac, Pampanga, which allegedly involved five police officers.

Acting PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Central Luzon Police Regional Office (PRO-3) to account for all officers implicated and place them under restrictive custody.

Among those involved are a police major who commands a station in Angeles City, two staff sergeants and a corporal assigned as his intelligence operatives, and another corporal assigned to the Zambales Provincial Police Office but previously detailed in Angeles City.

Initial investigations indicate that four of the five officers entered the private contractor’s residence in Barangay Santa Cruz on the night of November 25, wearing masks to conceal their identities. Contrary to initial assumptions, the contractor is not linked to flood control projects, according to the PRO-3.

The officers reportedly forced the contractor, along with family members and guests, into a comfort room before stealing P14 million in cash, police reports state.

Security footage did not capture the police major, but PRO-3 regional director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. suggested strong evidence points to him as the mastermind of the incident.

Further inquiries revealed that three of the officers involved have prior records of complaints including shooting incidents and robbery-extortion.

Lt. Gen. Nartatez emphasized the urgency of the probe: "There will be an investigation and I want this done as soon as possible. If the results find them liable, all will not only be dismissed from the service, they will also go straight to jail."

Since taking office on August 26, Nartatez noted that the PNP has resolved 1,339 administrative cases covering 2,308 personnel, resulting in 428 dismissals, 71 demotions, 448 suspensions, and various other penalties.

He highlighted that most PNP officers continue to perform their duties with integrity and morality, warning that misconduct will not be tolerated.

A parallel investigation by the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has also been launched regarding this case, following previous probes into high-profile incidents involving police personnel, including an ongoing investigation of CIDG members accused of substituting P13 million seized from a POGO facility with counterfeit bills.

Lt. Gen. Nartatez issued a strong warning, stating, "Let this serve as a warning to the few remaining bad eggs that the entire police force will come after you once you compromise the integrity and discipline of the PNP."