Five Arrested Over Series of Establishment Robberies in Cagayan

Five men were arrested after allegedly breaking into and robbing four establishments in Barangay Poblacion 2, Piat, Cagayan, in the early hours of Monday, 2 November.

Police said they received a report from one of the victims, identified as alias "Shelly", at around 3 a.m., prompting an investigation into the incident.

A review of CCTV footage showed two men using a bolt cutter to forcibly open one of the establishments. The suspects allegedly took coins kept in a plastic tray and several receipts.

Further investigation revealed that four establishments had been burglarized. CCTV footage also showed the suspects riding a kulong-kulong, accompanied by three other men believed to have acted as lookouts.

Personnel of the Piat Municipal Police Station immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and coordinated with the Solana Municipal Police Station to intercept the suspects.

At around 5 a.m., police officers in Solana intercepted a motorcycle carrying five men whose physical appearances matched the descriptions provided by Piat police.

The arrested suspects were identified as alias Greg, 46; Mayo, 45; Ferdie, 32; JayR, 26; and John, 19, all residents of Barangay Macanaya, Aparri, Cagayan.

Police recovered a bolt cutter, other items believed to have been used in the robberies, cigarettes, a sack of rice, cash, and the motorcycle allegedly used by the suspects.

The five men remain in police custody as authorities prepare the necessary documents for the filing of appropriate charges.

Police are also investigating whether the suspects may be linked to other robbery incidents in the province.

The Police Regional Office 2 urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.