DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte — Authorities are intensifying their investigation after two armed men posing as agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) robbed a businesswoman of cash and valuables worth more than P3 million during a brazen daytime heist in Barangay Polo on February 25, 2026.
The victim was identified as Regie Realiza Pastrano, a businesswoman from Dipolog City who had gone to visit her mother’s house in Purok Bangus, Barangay Polo, when the incident occurred around noon.
According to initial police reports, the suspects suddenly entered the house while Pastrano and several companions were inside. Armed and wearing face masks, the two men introduced themselves as PDEA operatives, a claim that reportedly caused confusion and prevented the occupants from resisting.
Police said the suspects immediately took control of the situation by tying the victims with plastic ties and forcing them to lie face down. An elderly resident who had difficulty walking was reportedly spared from being restrained, but remained under threat during the ordeal. In total, seven individuals were inside the house when the robbery took place.
Investigators revealed that the suspects targeted Pastrano’s belongings, taking her jewelry and a bag containing P100,000 in cash, a bank book, and a checkbook. Authorities estimate that the total value of the stolen items, including jewelry, reached at least P3 million.
The assailants quickly fled the scene aboard a black minivan, which witnesses said sped away shortly after the robbery.
In a statement, Eva Joy Capurcos, chief of the Philippine National Police station in Dapitan City, confirmed that investigators are now tracking three persons of interest who may be connected to the crime. Police are also verifying reports that individuals matching the suspects’ description were seen boarding a black minivan while escaping the area.
Authorities noted that the robbery appeared highly targeted. One of the household members reportedly expressed surprise that the suspects focused solely on Pastrano’s money and valuables and did not take other items inside the house.
Further information gathered by investigators indicated that Pastrano had gone to her mother’s residence to deliver food and was also expected to meet someone there regarding a possible land transaction. However, before the meeting could take place, the armed men carried out the robbery.
Police are continuing follow-up operations to identify and arrest the suspects, while also coordinating efforts to determine whether the group may be linked to other incidents involving criminals posing as law enforcement agents.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report suspicious individuals claiming to be government operatives without proper identification.