Ex-cop charged for 2 pawnshop heists

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Friday filed charges against a former policeman for allegedly robbing two pawnshops on Monday.

Charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, possession of an explosive, acts of lasciviousness and robbery were filed against former patrolman Dennis Marucut before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office at around 4:56 p.m.

The QCPD, in a statement, said Marucut is suspected of robbing a Palawan Express pawnshop in Barangay Delmonte at around 10 a.m. on Monday and an MLhuiller branch in Barangay Tandang Sora at around 4:30 p.m.

A police report said Marucut stole at least P1.4 million worth of jewelry at the MLhuiller branch while it is unclear how much he took from the Palawan pawnshop.

Marucut is also accused of sexually assaulting a pawnshop employee.

He was arrested during a hot pursuit operation along McArthur Highway in Apalit, Pampanga at around 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Witnesses identified Marucut as the same person who robbed the two establishments.

Records show Marucut was assigned in Pampanga but was dismissed in 2020 after he went AWOL or absent without leave.

The suspect yielded a hand grenade, a 9mm handgun and a motorcycle.