Policeman in store theft ‘in deep debt,’ tagged in more Bulacan robberies — PNP
MANILA, Philippines — The policeman who was shot dead after a robbery was in deep debt due to failed businesses, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday. Col. Angel Garcillano, provincial director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PRO), said Capt. Ronnie B. Sarto was alone on Monday night when he held up a convenience store in Barangay Santa Rosa in Marilao, taking P20,000 before fleeing on a motorcycle to a subdivision in Barangay Loma de Gato, in the same town. “Based on our investigation, they have businesses that closed down during the pandemic,” Maj. Hazel Asilo, Public Information chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said in a press briefing. Asilo also said Sarto had outstanding loans. Other than that, authorities did not see other involvement in vices or other illegal activities. As for PNP, Sarto’s desperation to pay these debts may have influenced him to commit the crime. During the pandemic, Sarto and his wife were operating food and ready-to-wear garment businesses. Furthermore, it appears that the slain lawman was also involved in past robberies in the province.