Philippine National Police / INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Two of the six individuals who robbed a pawnshop in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, last February 21, have been identified, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo revealed that authorities of Koronadal City identified two suspects through witnesses’ submitted affidavits, but she opted to withhold their names.
“They got affidavits from the witnesses and positively identified two of the six suspects that robbed the jewelry shop. Those identified include one wearing a police uniform topped with a black jacket,” Fajardo said in Filipino during a press briefing on Friday.
“As for the other man, also wearing a police uniform with a gray jacket, we are still validating the information we received from Koronadal authorities,” she added.
READ: Acorda warns vs. wearing of cops’ uniforms following a pawnshop heist
Earlier, PNP disclosed that two men wearing police athletic uniforms entered the pawnshop and were later accompanied by others who disarmed the security guards. After robbing the establishment, all six fled the area with a bag, as seen in a CCTV footage.
The suspects, however, left the uniforms and the motorcycle they used, which are now subject to DNA examination, Fajardo said.
She further revealed that one of the robbers they identified had previous cases of holdup and robbery.
Last February 24, the government of Koronadal offered P500,000 to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of suspects, as revealed by PNP chief Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Acorda said the reward “is essential to remind everyone that we don’t tolerate the misuse of our police uniform, particularly for committing heinous crimes which will be meted with legal consequences.”
According to him, Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code bans civilians from wearing police and military uniforms, especially while doing suspicious activities or violating the law.
Under the law, penalties for those who misrepresent themselves as a policeman or soldier are fined P2,000 to P5,000 and a penalty of imprisonment of six or more years.