Police Officer Killed During Robbery Attempt in Marilao
A shocking incident in Marilao, Bulacan, resulted in the death of a Philippine National Police (PNP) officer on Monday, November 10, 2025. The officer was killed after he attempted to escape following a robbery at a local convenience store.
The Dragnet Operation and Chase
According to details revealed in a press conference at Camp Crame on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, by Colonel Angel Garcillano, the Marilao police launched a dragnet operation around 7:00 PM. This was initiated after they received a distress call from a store employee reporting a holdup by a lone suspect wearing a red hoodie.
The suspect managed to flee the scene quickly but was later cornered by responding officers in a nearby barangay. Colonel Garcillano explained the suspect's actions, stating, "Based on backtracking by our police, he first passed through a barangay, where he shook himself off, removed his red jacket, and was in the process of spotting his second victim."
Identification and Apprehension
The successful identification of the suspect was crucial. The convenience store crew member was present inside the patrol car during the operation. When the suspect's motorcycle overtook the police vehicle, the crew member immediately identified him based on the motorcycle itself, as confirmed by an affidavit.
During the apprehension, the suspect resisted and attempted to fight the arresting officers. This led the police to retaliate with gunfire, resulting in the suspect's death. From the motorcycle's compartment, authorities recovered the red hoodie jacket and the stolen money from the robbery.
Revealing the Identity and Motive
Major Hazel Asilo, spokesperson for the National Capital Region Police Office, publicly identified the deceased suspect as Police Captain Ronnie Sarto. He served as the assistant chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Section at the Caloocan City Police Station.
Investigators are looking into his financial troubles as a possible motive. "Based on our investigation, he had a previous business that failed during the pandemic. That is the possible reason why he was in a financial bind," Major Asilo stated. She further added, "Based on our checks, he was also quite deep in loan debt."
