Images of police Capt. Ronnie B. Sarto, a member of the Caloocan City Police Station who was killed in a Marilao police operation, have gone viral on social media after he was tagged as the alleged suspect in a convenience store robbery in Bulacan.
In a Facebook post by “Lead Scout Commando,” photos of Sarto were shown alongside CCTV screenshots and a red hoodie allegedly worn by the suspect. Many netizens expressed shock and sadness, calling for clarity on what really happened.
According to a report from the Bulacan police, Sarto was killed after allegedly engaging in a shootout with responding officers in Barangay Loma de Gato, Marilao, following the robbery of an Alfa Mart in Barangay Sta. Rosa.
Police said they recovered about P20,000 in cash, believed to have been stolen from the store, from Sarto’s motorcycle.
However, colleagues who worked with him described Sarto as helpful, kindhearted and God-fearing. They said he assisted many people during the pandemic despite facing hardships himself.
These conflicting accounts have fueled public doubt and calls for a thorough investigation into how Sarto became linked to the crime. The Philippine National Police is reviewing all evidence, including CCTV footage, to clarify questions surrounding his death.