The Philippine National Police (PNP) has defended its actions during a shootout with armed robbery suspects at the southbound lane of the Bocaue Toll Plaza along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Bulacan on Friday, June 26, 2026, stating that personnel followed established rules of engagement.
Shootout at Toll Plaza
The firefight occurred in broad daylight, alarming motorists as gunshots forced vehicles to stop at the busy toll plaza. Videos taken by motorists and circulated online showed several men, believed to be police operatives, carrying long firearms before subduing and arresting the suspects.
According to PNP Public Information Office (PIO) acting chief Police Colonel Allen Rae Co, the operation targeted individuals aboard a van suspected of a series of robberies in Batangas, Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. The suspects allegedly opened fire first, prompting police to return fire.
Police Justification
Co explained that officers were compelled to neutralize the threat to protect both law enforcers and civilians. “Our police force’s primordial concern is always the safety of the public, but we had to do it this way because they were already being fired upon. We had to quickly neutralize the threat to the police officers as well as to the general public,” Co said in a mix of Tagalog and English during a press conference.
Authorities said the group had been under surveillance for more than three weeks, tracking the van allegedly used in the crimes. Police monitored the suspects’ movements in Pangasinan and Tarlac before intercepting them in Bulacan.
Incidents Linked to Suspects
Among the incidents linked to the group were the robbery of an electronic payment machine at a convenience store, an attempted robbery in Magalang, Pampanga, where a security guard was reportedly shot after confronting the suspects, and another robbery at a convenience store in Tarlac.
Co acknowledged the encounter took place in a crowded area but stated police had no intention of engaging the suspects at the toll plaza. The confrontation occurred there because the operatives came under fire.
Aftermath and Charges
Three suspects were wounded during the shootout and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The arrested suspects now face charges of frustrated murder, direct assault, violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
