BACOLOD City – Operatives of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) have arrested two suspects linked to the armed robbery of a physician in Barangay 19, a case that sparked public concern and prompted authorities to offer a P200,000 reward for information leading to the perpetrators’ arrest.
The suspects were apprehended in separate police operations over the weekend, marking a major breakthrough less than three days after the May 28 hold-up incident along G.V. Street.
BCPO Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia identified the suspects only as alias “Rem,” 37, a resident of Barangay 40, and alias “Shan,” 32, of Barangay Cabug, Bacolod City.
The first suspect was arrested at around 9 p.m. on May 30 at the Barangay 40 Hall during a coordinated operation led by Police Major Rondyl Tapang, officer-in-charge of Police Station 1, in coordination with the victim.
The second suspect was apprehended at about 1:20 a.m. on May 31 during a joint operation conducted by Police Station 1 and the City Intelligence Unit (CIU) headed by Lt. Col. Albert Sy.
Authorities recovered from the second suspect a Yamaha Sniper 150 motorcycle believed to have been used in the robbery, as well as an iPhone 17 Pro and a Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, both identified as among the items stolen from the victim.
The suspects are currently under the custody of Police Station 1 for documentation and the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
During a press conference on May 30 at the Bacolod City Government Center, Rebadomia and Mayor Greg Gasataya disclosed details of the incident involving the 30-year-old physician.
According to Rebadomia, the victim was walking toward her apartment on the evening of May 28 when she was approached by two men riding tandem on a gray-and-yellow Yamaha Sniper 150 motorcycle.
One of the suspects allegedly pointed a firearm at the victim and threatened her, saying, “Palukpan taka karon.”
Fearing for her life, the victim attempted to flee. However, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage later showed the suspects chasing her before forcibly taking her bag.
Despite resisting, the victim was overpowered and robbed of several valuables, including an iPhone 17 Pro, Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earphones, and other personal belongings.
The CCTV footage of the incident quickly circulated online, triggering public outrage and calls for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
In response, Gasataya announced a P100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects. The Philippine National Police later matched the amount, bringing the total reward to P200,000.
“We encourage anyone who may have information regarding these incidents to coordinate with our police authorities. The city government remains fully supportive of the efforts of the BCPO to ensure that justice is served and that our communities remain safe,” Gasataya said.
Prior to the suspects’ arrest, Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), ordered the immediate intensification of intelligence and investigative operations to identify and track down those responsible.
Cardiño directed police units to maximize intelligence assets, validate information from community sources, analyze CCTV footage, and pursue all available leads.
“All intelligence assets must be maximized to identify and locate the perpetrators at the soonest possible time,” Cardiño said.
Police subsequently conducted extensive backtracking operations and disseminated descriptions of the suspects and the motorcycle used in the crime to law enforcement units across the region.
Rebadomia said the swift arrest of the suspects demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence efforts and community cooperation in solving high-profile criminal cases.
“The successful arrest of the suspects demonstrates our commitment to swift police response and intensified follow-up operations. We will continue to strengthen our anti-criminality efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Bacolodnons,” he said.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether the suspects may be linked to other robbery incidents in the city./PN