By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA
Two suspects were arrested in follow-up police operations after they allegedly robbed a female doctor at her apartment in Bacolod City’s Barangay 19 on May 28.
Police identified the suspects as 27-year-old “Rem,” a resident of Barangay 40, and 32-year-old “Shaun,” from Barangay Cabug, both in Bacolod.
Police Colonel Eugene Rebadomia, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director, said “Rem” was arrested by operatives of Police Station 1 around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30.
“Shan,” was also arrested hours later in Barangay Cabug early yesterday morning.
The suspects, who are detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 1, were positively identified by the 30-year-old victim.
Recovered from the suspects’ possession were a motorcycle and two cellular phones.
Rebadomia said the victim, whose name is being withheld, was walking toward her apartment at 9:28 p.m. when the suspects riding a motorcycle pointed a firearm at her and attempted to snatch her bag.
Fearing for her life, the victim tried to flee, but the suspects chased her and took her bag, which contained two cellular phones and other personal belongings.
On Saturday, May 30, Rebadomia earlier announced that Brigadier General Romano Cardiño, Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region acting director, offered a P100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects, and another P100,000 was offered by Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya.
Meanwhile, Rebadomia said the incident was an isolated case, stressing that from January to May 30, 2026, they had received only 20 robbery complaints.
“It is very important for victims to report incidents to the nearest police station or call 911 so that we can respond immediately and arrest the perpetrators,” he said.
He added that there were no monitored syndicated groups in the city.
Rebadomia noted that they are now intensifying their visibility patrols, especially in identified crime-prone areas, and maximizing the deployment of motorcycle police officers.
The BCPO director also assured the public of its continued commitment to swift police response, intensified follow-up operations, and the immediate resolution of criminal cases.
Cardiño also earlier directed the BCPO and all concerned operating units to intensify intelligence monitoring and investigative efforts following the robbery holdup incident.
He said in a statement that all intelligence assets must be maximized to identify and locate the perpetrators at the soonest possible time.
“We are directing our operating units to intensify monitoring activities, conduct thorough case build-up, and strengthen coordination with community sources and other law enforcement units to ensure the immediate resolution of this case,” Cardiño said.
“Criminals have no place in our communities. We will relentlessly pursue those responsible and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions,” he added./MAP, WDJ