Bulacan police officer killed in robbery incident linked to previous crimes

The authorities in Bulacan on Wednesday confirmed that the police officer who was killed after allegedly robbing a convenience store earlier this week had been involved in similar incidents in the province.

In a press briefing at the Camp Crame, Bulacan Provincial Police Director Col. Angel Garcillano identified the suspect as Police Capt. Ronnie Sarto, 43, assistant chief of the Station Investigation and Detective Management Section of the North Caloocan City Police Station.

Sarto was killed in a shootout with responding officers following the robbery in Marilao on November 10. Investigators later linked him to previous robberies in Meycauayan and San Jose del Monte cities.

“Based on the evidence gathered, those were his areas of operation, coffee shops, gasoline stations, and convenience stores around Marilao and nearby cities,” Garcillano told reporters in English. 

Garcillano added that investigators are “morally convinced” of Sarto’s involvement and dismissed social media claims of mistaken identity.

“Our police organization will be fair but firm. We have zero tolerance for wrongdoing, even among our own ranks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Central Luzon police chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. described the incident as “deeply concerning” and stressed the importance of integrity and professionalism in the police service.

“This unfortunate event is a reminder that no one is above the law,” Peñones said. “The PNP remains steadfast in pursuing peace and order and ensuring that every officer’s conduct upholds public trust.”

According to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Sarto had no prior administrative or derogatory record since joining the police force in 2006. 

NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said Sarto, a native of San Jose del Monte City, had previously run food and clothing businesses that went bankrupt and was reportedly heavily in debt before the incident.

“Based on our investigation, he was already overextended in his loans,” Asilo said. “We cannot say for certain what drove him to commit the crime, but financial distress may have been a factor.”