COTABATO CITY, Philippines — An armed robbery incident at a local gasoline station was captured on CCTV, revealing the brazen actions of a lone suspect who fled with cash and valuables on the afternoon of March 18, 2026.
Authorities identified the targeted establishment as El Depot Gasoline Station, where the incident occurred at approximately 4:03 p.m. inside the cashier’s office.
Based on the victim’s account and CCTV footage, the suspect arrived at the scene riding a Honda Click motorcycle. The video shows the man dismounting the vehicle before entering the office, where he immediately declared a holdup while brandishing a .45 caliber pistol.
Caught off guard and fearing for their safety, the cashier had no choice but to comply with the suspect’s demands. The assailant reportedly took ₱8,000 in cash along with an Oppo mobile phone worth around ₱4,000.
After seizing the items, the suspect quickly exited the premises and fled toward an undetermined direction, evading immediate arrest.
CCTV footage obtained from inside the office clearly shows the suspect’s face, providing investigators with a crucial lead in identifying the perpetrator. Authorities believe the clarity of the footage will significantly aid in tracking down the individual.
The Cotabato City Police Office, in coordination with intelligence units from the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, as well as the local government, has launched a joint investigation. Efforts are now focused on verifying the suspect’s identity and building a case for robbery with intimidation.
Police officials are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to come forward as they intensify their manhunt.
The incident adds to growing concerns over security in commercial establishments, prompting renewed calls for stricter safety measures and increased police visibility in the city.