2 cops nabbed for robbery, attempted kidnapping

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — Two members of the Pampanga police were arrested for their alleged involvement in a robbery and attempted kidnapping incident in Mabalacat City on Wednesday.

The policemen, along with three men, reportedly entered a shop in Barangay Tabun and hogtied three people whom they accused of involvement in the illegal drug trade.

The men, who were wearing black jackets, bonnets and face masks, reportedly destroyed the shop’s closed-circuit television cameras, according to a report received by Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., acting Central Luzon police director.

The suspects fled in a Toyota Vios without license plates, taking with them nine phones owned by the victims.

The car, which was later found abandoned in Bamban, Tarlac, was traced to members of the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Pampanga police.

A follow-up operation resulted in the arrest of the officers and recovery of the stolen items.