MARILAO, Bulacan — A police captain burdened by debt was fatally shot after allegedly robbing a convenience store in Bulacan, authorities said. Investigators are now looking into possible ties to a broader criminal network.

The suspect, Police Capt. Ronnie Sarto, 43, a resident of San Jose del Monte and chief of the Caloocan City Police Station’s Investigation and Detective Management Section, was killed in a shootout with fellow officers following the robbery on Monday night.

What Led to the Shootout

At around 7:31 p.m. on November 10, a man wearing a red hoodie, gray shorts, and slippers entered a convenience store in Barangay Santa Rosa I, Marilao. CCTV footage later showed the suspect approaching store personnel, appearing to ask for something, then walking with staff to a stockroom where a commotion occurred before he exited the room.

Police said Sarto posed as a customer, then pulled a handgun, declared a holdup, and took ₱20,000 before fleeing on a motorcycle toward Barangay Loma de Gato. Marilao police launched a hot pursuit and caught up with the suspect near Heritage Subdivision. Sarto allegedly drew his firearm and fired at responding officers, who returned fire, fatally wounding him. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital around 9:30 p.m.

Authorities said the slain officer had previously operated food and clothing businesses, but both ventures went bankrupt, leaving him in significant debt.

“Hindi natin masasagot kung ano pa ‘yong other circumstances kung bakit niya nagawa [ang panghoholdap],” said Police Major Hazel Asilo of the NCR Police Office. “Based doon sa pagche-check natin, medyo sagad na siya sa loan.”

Possible Links to a Larger Crime Group

The Central Luzon regional police said investigators are examining whether Sarto had connections to a wider criminal group allegedly targeting convenience stores across Bulacan and nearby provinces. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the debt-ridden officer acted alone out of financial desperation or was part of an organized scheme.

“The NAPOLCOM (National Police Commission) is hands-on as far as police integrity matters are concerned. This is a commitment we are making to the Filipino people, that we will do our jobs and we will do it well. Ang pulis ng pulis ay ang NAPOLCOM,” said Napolcom Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan.

Authorities emphasized that even law enforcement officers are not above the law, highlighting ongoing efforts to root out corruption and criminal collusion within the Philippine National Police.

According to NCRPO records, Sarto had no prior administrative or criminal records since joining the police force in 2006.

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