CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A robbery at a convenience store in Marilao, Bulacan, ended in a fatal shootout Monday night, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) confirmed Tuesday.

At around 8:30 p.m., police received a report of an ongoing robbery at a convenience store in Barangay Sta. Rosa I. Initial investigation showed that the suspect, posing as a customer, drew a handgun and took approximately P20,000 before fleeing on a motorcycle toward Barangay Loma de Gato.

Marilao police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation. Officers later intercepted the suspect, who allegedly fired upon the pursuing policemen. The police returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect, who was declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital.

Authorities later discovered that the suspect was a member of the law enforcement community. This finding has prompted PRO3 to conduct a full investigation to determine whether the deceased officer had links to a broader criminal group behind a series of similar robberies across Central Luzon.

“This incident underscores the importance of integrity and accountability within our organization. We are committed to a thorough investigation to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served,” PRO3 Regional Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. said.

PRO3 reiterated its commitment to internal cleansing, transparency, and restoring public trust in police ranks.

The investigation remains ongoing.