CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A suspected robbery turned fatal in the early hours of Friday (April 25) when an off-duty police officer responded to a break-in at a residence in Malinoville Subdivision, Barangay Malino, Mexico, Pampanga.
Initial investigations revealed that at around 3:45 a.m., the suspect scaled a metal fence and forcibly entered the home of a 36-year-old driver, identified only as “Mr. DJ.” The intrusion was witnessed by Mr. Zabat, 56, who immediately informed his son, Pat Ray Lemuel Zabat, 29, a police officer residing nearby.
Awakened by the commotion, the homeowner discovered the suspect inside his home allegedly stealing two mobile phones—a blue Vivo and a black Redmi. As the suspect attempted to flee the scene using the same route, he was confronted by Pat Zabat.
During the confrontation, the suspect reportedly drew a firearm from his waistband, prompting the officer to defend himself. A single shot was fired, striking the suspect in the abdomen. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities are currently working to establish the identity of the suspect and are investigating whether he is connected to any other criminal activities in the area.
Brig. Gen. Jean S. Fajardo, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3, praised the swift and decisive action of the off-duty officer and reiterated the PNP’s commitment to public safety:
“Ang pangyayaring ito ay nagpapakita ng tapang at dedikasyon ng ating mga pulis na handang magprotekta sa tao kahit tapos na ang kanilang oras ng trabaho. Ang PRO3 ay patuloy na nagsisikap para mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan. Hinihikayat namin ang lahat na maging alerto at agad mag-ulat sa pinakamalapit na himpilan ng pulisya kung may napansing kahina-hinalang kilos o aktibidad.” (UnliNews Online)
