Robbery Suspect Apprehended in Bulacan After Lengthy Chase

A robbery suspect was arrested in Sitio Gulod, Barangay San Vicente, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, at dawn on Tuesday, Jan. 20, following a nearly two-hour chase led by local police, village watchmen, and vigilant residents. Police identified the suspect as alias “Kevin”, 31, a native of Zamboanga and caretaker of a farm in Barangay Caypombo. According to the victim, identified as “Ana” (not her real name), she was asleep in her room around 11:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, when she suddenly woke up after feeling her pillow being pushed. She initially thought it was her son, but upon opening her eyes, she realized it was an intruder. Alarmed, she screamed for help, prompting neighbors to rush to her aid. The suspect fled and was chased by residents, with the pursuit reaching the valley near the farm. Only his motorcycle, believed to have been used in the attempted robbery, was initially found. With the persistence of the police, watchmen, and residents, the suspect was eventually discovered hiding in an old pigsty. Ana was called to the scene and positively identified him, saying, “Hindi ako maaring magkamali, maliwanag ang aking kuwarto, bukas ang ilaw” (I can’t be wrong because my room was bright, the light was on). The suspect is now detained at the Sta. Maria Police Station pending the filing of charges against him. Meanwhile, the farm owner, who also owns the motorcycle, expressed confusion over why his caretaker ended up in Sitio Gulod. Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether the suspect had accomplices and if the incident is linked to other robberies in the area. Ana told police that six of her goats were stolen a year ago, with the culprits still unidentified.