Six suspects have been arrested and are facing multiple charges over the robbery of a convenience store in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, police said.
The suspects, aged 18 to 24, were arrested following a police follow-up operation launched after the robbery on Tuesday evening, November 11, according to Lt. Col. Wilmar Binag.
Authorities traced the group to the Calabarzon region before pursuing them to the boundary of Sto. Tomas and Alaminos in Pangasinan, where they were arrested.
CCTV footage showed a white van pulling up in front of the convenience store on Tuesday night. Several men then stepped out and entered the establishment.
One of the suspects reportedly pretended to be a customer before pulling out a firearm and pointing it at the cashier, declaring a robbery. The group then forced the cashier into the storage room where the store's vault was located and ordered the employee to open it.
The suspects took the money from the vault and reportedly dragged two customers who were inside the store before fleeing aboard the white van.
The cashier and two other store employees described the incident as a frightening experience.
Police recovered more than P30,000 in cash, two firearms, a grenade, and several license plates allegedly used to disguise the vehicles involved in the group's operations.
According to Binag, the suspects are also linked to a similar convenience store robbery in Rizal province, while investigators are looking into their possible involvement in other cases across the Calabarzon region.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said the investigation is ongoing to identify other possible victims and determine the alleged mastermind behind the robbery operations.
The suspects are facing charges of robbery, violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and illegal possession of an explosive device.
Meanwhile, authorities urged business owners to strengthen their security measures and remain vigilant, particularly during the holiday season when commercial establishments may become targets of criminal activities.
[Reports from RH Grace Sansano]
