Forensic investigators check on the evidence seized from the suspects. Contributed photo.
CABANATUAN CITY – An alleged notorious robber tagged in a series of robbery/holdup in Nueva Ecija was killed while his two cohorts were arrested in a shootout with police operatives at Sitio Boundary, Barangay Caalibangbangan here at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19.
Col. Jess Mendez, acting Nueva Ecija police director, said that the suspect identified only by his alias “Tolits” and his companions Christian Soro, 30, and Reymark Hipolito, 27, both of Barangay Samon this city were on board two separate motorcycles when flagged down in the said village.
“When flagged down, alias Tolits fired towards (policemen) and shot it out with the operatives,” the city police said in a report to Mendez.
An operative from Sta. Maria (Bulacan) police station identified as Pat. Aisar Hajar was hit on his abdomen and is receiving medical treatment in a local hospital, police said.
Mendez said the operation was a result of a continuous follow up operations by intelligence operatives from Cabanatuan City, Santa Rosa and Sta. Maria police stations in connection with the series of robbery attacks involving “Tolits.”
Earlier on Wednesday, police said, the group robbed a 7-Eleven convenience store in Barangay Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City and the Shell Select convenience store in Barangay Isla, Santa Rosa.
Seized from the encounter scene were two motorcycles, one 9mm pistol, and robbed items such as IDs of employees of Shell Select convenience store, ATM cards, wallet, and cash money.
Investigators also discovered four sachets of shabu and a hand grenade from the compartment of one of the motorcycles supposedly driven by Hipolito, according to the police.
The arrested suspects are now under custody of Cabanatuan CPS and will be facing appropriate criminal charges.
“As we continue our intensified campaign against criminality such as robbery, illegal drugs, and wanted person, we assure the Novo Ecijanos that we will implement the rule of law towards a safer, peaceful and progressive Nueva Ecija; we need your support to achieve this,’’ said Mendez.
