OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental — Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) arrested one of two suspects allegedly involved in a series of robberies across parts of Northern Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula, while the second suspect was killed after reportedly opening fire on police officers during a hot pursuit operation in Ozamiz City on September 2, 2026.
The operation stemmed from a robbery at a commercial establishment in Ozamiz City late Tuesday night, September 1, where the suspects allegedly breached the building by creating an opening through its rear concrete wall and forcibly opened a vault before escaping with an estimated ₱60,000 in cash.
According to the initial police investigation, the robbery took place at around 11:15 p.m. Investigators processed the crime scene and examined available closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, which led to the identification of the suspects as aliases “Joe” and “Boy,” both reportedly residents of Ramon Magsaysay, Zamboanga del Sur.
Police records also showed that “Joe” had an existing warrant of arrest for Robbery, docketed under Criminal Case No. 2022-10-4516 in Zamboanga del Sur.
Investigation links suspects to other robberies
Authorities said the investigation also yielded information allegedly linking the two suspects to the Pondoyo Robbery Group, which police described as an organization operating in Zamboanga del Sur and neighboring regions.
Investigators further identified the two men as suspects in other robbery cases involving branches of the same home improvement establishment.
These reportedly include the robbery of the establishment’s Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental branch in February 2026, as well as an alleged robbery at its branch in Tudela, Misamis Occidental, on April 24, 2026.
The alleged connections are part of the ongoing investigation, and authorities are expected to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in the reported incidents.
Hot pursuit leads police to suspects’ residences
Acting on information developed during the investigation, personnel of the Ozamiz City Police Station (Ozamiz CPS) immediately launched a hot pursuit operation targeting the identified suspects.
Police first proceeded to the residence of “Joe,” where operatives successfully arrested him.
The officers then moved to the nearby residence of “Boy,” who was reportedly living in the same area.
As police approached the location, “Boy” allegedly fired at the operating personnel using a caliber .45 pistol.
The officers reportedly returned fire, resulting in the suspect sustaining gunshot wounds.
“Boy” was subsequently declared dead.
Police did not provide further details on the number of shots fired or whether any police personnel were injured in the encounter.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are expected to be documented as part of the police investigation and standard procedures covering armed encounters.
Charges await arrested suspect
The arrested suspect, “Joe,” is set to face appropriate charges for the Ozamiz City robbery.
Police also said he will face a separate case for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in connection with the possession of a caliber .45 pistol.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the alleged robbery group’s activities, including the reported incidents in Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Sur.
The latest operation underscores the role of crime scene processing and CCTV examination in identifying suspects and rapidly developing information for follow-up operations, police said.
PRO10 chief commends Ozamiz police
PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr., Regional Director of PRO10, commended the personnel of the Ozamiz CPS for what he described as a prompt investigation and immediate pursuit of the suspects following the robbery.
Babagay also emphasized the importance of swift police action in responding to criminal incidents and pursuing individuals allegedly involved in robbery and other offenses.
PRO10 said the operation is consistent with the Focused Agenda of the Chief of the Philippine National Police (CPNP) and the directive of the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) to intensify focused and responsive police operations against criminality.
With one suspect now in police custody and the other dead following the reported armed encounter, investigators are expected to continue gathering evidence to establish the suspects’ involvement in the Ozamiz City robbery and determine whether they were connected to other similar cases in the region.