Doubts are spreading across social media about a recent pawnshop robbery in Davao City, with many questioning whether the incident was staged. The heist occurred on Ilustre Street on Wednesday, February 26, at around 9:00 a.m.
Netizens have raised concerns over several details of the crime: the robbers’ use of long firearms in broad daylight, a defective motorcycle, multiple traffic violations—including riding without helmets—and the residence of the arrested suspect.
Former Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief and current Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa also expressed suspicion, urging further investigation. In an interview with SMNI News, he questioned the motive behind the display of firearms, suggesting it may have been recorded intentionally to damage the city’s reputation.
However, DCPO chief Colonel Hansel Marantan dismissed the controversy raised by netizens as “irrelevant,” insisting that the robbery was carried out by an organized group. Marantan also considered the swift arrest of one suspect a major accomplishment, adding that authorities had already identified the perpetrators.
One suspect, Johnny Bulawan of Albuera, Leyte, was apprehended by officers from the San Pedro Police Station. Authorities recovered stolen jewelry estimated to be worth between P30 million and P100 million, along with an M16 rifle, a 9mm pistol, live ammunition, and a motorcycle.
A P100,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of two to four remaining suspects.
