Caloocan police captain killed in alleged robbery and shootout in Bulacan

A police captain assigned to the Caloocan City Police Station was killed following an alleged robbery and shootout with responding officers in Marilao, Bulacan, on Monday night, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed Tuesday.

According to a report from the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon), the suspect, identified as Police Captain Ronnie Sarto, 43, allegedly held up an Alfa Mart convenience store in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Marilao, around 7:30 p.m.

Wearing a red jacket, Sarto reportedly took P20,000 from the store before fleeing on a motorcycle toward Barangay Loma de Gato.

Police operatives from the Marilao Municipal Police Station’s intelligence section immediately launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspect.

At around 7:50 p.m., authorities spotted Sarto inside Heritage Subdivision in Loma de Gato. When operatives attempted to flag him down, the suspect allegedly drew his firearm and opened fire, prompting the police to retaliate.

Sarto was hit during the exchange of gunfire and was rushed to Sta. Maria Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival at around 9:30 p.m. by the attending physician.

His identity was later confirmed by his wife, Katherine Joy Sarto, according to the incident report.

Following the encounter, PRO3 launched a comprehensive investigation into the case, including verifying Sarto’s potential links to a robbery syndicate targeting convenience stores across Central Luzon.

Central Luzon police chief P/BGen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. expressed dismay over the incident, stressing the need for accountability within police ranks.

“This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that no one is above the law,” Peñones said in a statement.

“We remain steadfast in advancing the PNP Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations and ensuring that every action we take upholds public trust,” he added.

Authorities are conducting CCTV backtracking and coordinating with nearby police units as part of the ongoing investigation.