CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A security guard assigned to protect an Iba, Zambales bank turned against his employer last week, stealing P670,070 in cash and igniting a three-day manhunt that ended on 20 November with his arrest at a local bar, where police recovered the stolen funds, a service firearm, a grenade, and illegal drugs.

The suspect, identified as “Ger,” allegedly held bank manager “Mr. Lopez” at gunpoint using his issued .38 revolver during the 17 November robbery. He then hijacked a tricycle from driver “Henry” to flee the scene, later abandoning the vehicle at a Dirita gasoline station, according to reports from the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3).

Collaborating across stations, Zambales police tracked Ger to New Butterfly Bar in Sta. Cruz’s Barangay Pagatpat, where he was arrested in a pre-dawn raid. A search yielded P50,000 of the stolen cash, the firearm, a grenade, and a sachet of suspected shabu.

Ger faces charges for robbery, carnapping, and violations of:

• RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act)

• RA 10591 (Illegal Firearms Possession)

• RA 9516 (Illegal Explosives)

PRO3 Regional Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. commended the operation, stating, “This arrest underscores our resolve to neutralize threats swiftly. Betrayers of public trust will find no refuge in Central Luzon.”

The case has sparked scrutiny of security sector vetting processes. PRO3 urged communities to remain vigilant, particularly during the holiday season, and report suspicious activity via the PNP hotline.