‘Cop-turned-robber’ dies in shootout

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

The Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) identified the suspect as Police Capt. Ronnie Sarto and according to reports, Sarto allegedly held up an Alfa Mart convenience store in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Marilao, around 7:30 p.m.

The suspect, who was reportedly wearing a red jacket, allegedly took P20,000 from the store before fleeing on a motorcycle toward Barangay Loma de Gato.

Following the incident, the intelligence section of the Marilao Municipal Police Station immediately launched a pursuit operation. Authorities spotted Sarto inside Heritage Subdivision in Loma de Gato about 20 minutes later.

When officers attempted to flag him down, the suspect allegedly drew his firearm and opened fire, prompting police to retaliate.

Sarto was struck during the exchange of gunfire and was rushed to Sta. Maria Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival around 9:30 p.m. His identity was later confirmed by his wife, Katherine Joy Sarto.

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

Central Luzon police chief Police Brig. Gen. 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.”

Authorities are conducting CCTV backtracking and coordinating with nearby police units as the investigation continues.