CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — In just three days after the tragic death of a convenience store manager, the primary suspect in the robbery and homicide case was apprehended following an intensive hot pursuit operation on Monday (Aug. 12).
According to Col. Richard V. Caballero, Provincial Director of Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office, the incident occurred on the morning of August 9, 2024, at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Barangay Mabini Homesite, Cabanatuan City wherein the store manager, 26-year-old Ryan De Goma y Talido, lost his life.
Initial investigations revealed that the robbery occurred around 10:00 a.m., the suspect, initially unidentified, entered the store, locked the victim inside the stock room, and stole Php320,984 in cash. To cover his tracks, the suspect destroyed computer devices in the stock room by setting them on fire before fleeing the scene through a side access door. De Goma was later found in the stock room, having sustained multiple fatal stab wounds.
On August 12, 2024, at about 2 p.m., a meticulously coordinated operation led to the arrest of the suspect in Barangay Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City.
The operation was a joint effort involving the Cabanatuan City Police Station (lead unit), Provincial Intelligence Unit-NEPPO, and Pag-asa Sub Station 1 of the Mandaluyong City Police Station, EPD, and NCRPO. The suspect, a 25-year-old former employee of the convenience store, used his familiarity with the store’s operations and security measures to facilitate the crime.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect had a prior arrest for drug trafficking on December 21, 2021. He was also reportedly involved in online gambling and was struggling with significant debt.
Criminal complaints for Robbery with Homicide and Arson were formally filed against the suspect, who is now in the custody of the Cabanatuan City Police Station.
In a statement from the PRO3 Officer-in-Charge Brig. Gen. Benjamin DL Sembrano, the troops involved in the swift and successful operation were recognized for their dedication and prompt action.
“I commend the efforts of our police officers in bringing swift justice to the victim and his family. This operation exemplifies our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The timely apprehension of the suspect reflects the diligence and coordination among our units, and I am proud of the professionalism displayed by our men on the ground,” Sembrano siad. (UnliNews Online)
