CAMP OLIVAS – The Porac Municipal Police Station (MPS) nabbed four suspects in a buy-bust operation for a fake gold bar at Sitio Pidpid, Brgy. Manuali, Porac town around 12:10 AM on March 16, 2025.
The four individuals are also allegedly involved in Estafa (Swindling), Attempted Murder, violations of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives), and the COMELEC Omnibus Election Code.
The suspects, mostly Aetas, were identified as alias “Eva,” alias “Dex,” alias “Arjay” of Brgy. Patling, Capas, Tarlac, and alias “Ted” of Brgy. Inararo, Porac.
However, police said that during the bust, armed individuals suddenly opened fire on the police operatives, prompting them to respond and restrain the attackers.
Authorities recovered several pieces of evidence from the scene, including a fake gold bar, marked money consisting of genuine bills and boodle money, a .38 caliber revolver with fired cartridge casing and live ammunition, an improvised shotgun with fired shotshell and live shells, a fragmentation grenade, a jungle bolo, and three motorcycles, one of which had a ‘kolong-kolong’ sidecar.
Further investigation linked the suspects to a stabbing incident that took place on March 11, 2025, at the same location. The victim, identified as “Edgar,” 55, was fatally stabbed after allegedly refusing to pay for undelivered gold.
PBGen. Jean S. Fajardo, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), commended the operatives for their swift and decisive action, highlighting that this operation is a clear message to criminals that law enforcement will not waver in its duty to protect the public.
“This successful operation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice and public safety. Criminals who think they can deceive, harm, and terrorize our communities will be met with the full force of the law. Our police force stands firm in its mission—those who threaten the safety of our people will be held accountable,” PBGen. Fajardo stated.
The arrested suspects and seized evidence are now under police custody for proper documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
