COTABATO CITY — A swift police response led to the arrest of three men allegedly behind a daring robbery that left three women injured and resulted in the loss of more than ₱3.2 million worth of jewelry and cash on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Authorities identified the suspects as Johari Datumanong Mohamad, also known as “Bunsoy,” 27, the driver of the getaway vehicle; Solaiman Guiamalon Abdula, 33, seated in the front passenger seat; and Khalid Kusain Tunggal, 26, who was at the back. All three are residents of Cotabato City.
Violent Daylight Robbery
Initial police reports revealed that the suspects forcibly entered a residence in Tanghal Subdivision, Purok Masagana, Barangay Bagua 2, in Cotabato City at around 2:00 p.m.
The intruders reportedly assaulted three female occupants of the house, leaving them bloodied, before taking an estimated ₱3 million worth of gold jewelry and an additional ₱200,000 in cash.
The victims immediately reported the incident to authorities, prompting the Philippine National Police to launch a hot pursuit operation.
Checkpoint Interception
A flash alarm issued by Police Station 4 of the Cotabato City Police Office proved crucial in tracking down the suspects.
At around 6:30 p.m., personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station, conducting a routine checkpoint operation in Datu Odin Sinsuat, flagged down a brown metallic Toyota Vios bearing plate number LAR 2650 — a vehicle matching the description in the alert.
Upon verification, the occupants were confirmed to be the robbery suspects. They were immediately arrested and informed of their constitutional rights.
Evidence and Custody
The getaway vehicle is now in police custody, along with other pieces of evidence that may be used in building the case against the suspects.
Following their arrest, the three men were brought to the Datu Odin Sinsuat police station for documentation and initial investigation. They were later transferred to Police Station 4 in Cotabato City for proper disposition and the filing of formal charges.
Facing Multiple Charges
Aside from robbery-holdup, the suspects are also expected to face additional charges for physical injuries inflicted on the victims during the attack.
Authorities said further investigation is ongoing to determine if the suspects are linked to other criminal activities in the area.
The Cotabato City Police Office assured the public of intensified checkpoint operations and rapid response measures to deter similar crimes and ensure community safety.