𝐏𝐑𝐎 𝟒𝐀-𝐑𝐃 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬 𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝗂𝗇 𝖪𝖺𝗐𝗂𝗍, 𝖢𝖺𝗏𝗂𝗍𝖾

Press Release No.  30- 2023                 March 6, 2024 (Wednesday)

RD Lucas Announces Breakthrough in Robbery in Band Incident in Kawit, Cavite

Camp BGen Vicente P Lim - PBGen Paul Kenneth T Lucas, Regional Director of PRO CALABARZON, unveiled a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the Robbery in Band incident that transpired at Grand Centennial Homes, Brgy. Magdalo-Potol, Kawit, Cavite, at 5:00 PM on February 13, 2024. The announcement was made today during a press conference conducted at Camp BGen Vicente P Lim, Calamba City.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the suspects forcibly entered two residential houses wearing black jackets and gray long sleeves with cap and face mask, and at gunpoint hogged-tied the victims and carted away valuable items, including cellphones, identification documents, a short firearm, and an undisclosed amount of cash. 

Through meticulous efforts, authorities from Kawit Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit successfully identified the vehicle utilized by the suspects: a white Toyota Hi-Ace Van registered to a private individual in Tanza, Cavite. This pivotal discovery led to the identification of the van's proprietor, who subsequently disclosed the identity of the individual who had rented the vehicle on February 13, 2024—Police Senior Master Sergeant Jhon Paolo Maigue Mellona, assigned at the Cavite Provincial Intelligence and Detective Management Unit as Pre-Charge Investigator. This initial lead has facilitated the identification of additional suspects implicated in the robbery.

Among these suspects are Police Senior Master Sergeant Reynaldo Andrada Quilit Jr., from the Provincial Intelligence Unit of Cavite PPO, and Police Corporal Lynard Pastrana Pareja, assigned to the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of Laguna PPO, along with their two civilian cohorts, and four John Does, who face charges of Robbery in Band following a formal complaint filed by the victims against them at about 11:50 AM on March 5, 2024, at the Cavite Prosecutor’s Office, Imus City, Cavite. This filing adheres to the case build-up procedure provided by Department Circular No. 20 of the Department of Justice.

Following the filing of charges, the 3 police suspects were relieved from their respective units and reassigned to the Regional Headquarters Holding Area Section (RPHAS) and placed under restrictive custody. Moreover RD Lucas ordered the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division in coordination with the Regional Internal Affairs Service to conduct a parallel administrative investigation.

PBGen Paul Kenneth T Lucas underscored his firm condemnation of misconduct within the police force. "I reiterate my clear stance against misconduct by any member of our force. We condemned such actions in the strongest terms and assure the public that these officers, if found guilty, will meet the full arms of the law,” he said.

“We will ensure the safety and security of our community and we shall have zero tolerance for any form of criminal activity involving members of our police force," RD Lucas added. (RPIO4A).

#SerbisyongNagkakaisa

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Authority: PBGEN PAUL KENNETH T LUCAS

Regional Director, Police Regional Office 4A

PLTCOL CHITADEL C GAOIRAN

C, RPIO 

Contact Nos. Tel: 09270220569     

Website http://www.pro4a.pnp.gov.ph/

Facebook Page: PRO4A Regional Public Information Office