Three Active Police Officers Relieved Following Involvement in Robbery of POGO Supervisor

March 6, 2024

2–3 minutes

PBGen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas announced the Robbery in Band incident that happened particularly in the two residential houses at Grand Centennial Homes, Brgy. Magdalo-Potol, Kawit, Cavite around 5:00 PM of February 13, 2024

Based on the investigation, the suspects forcibly entered two residential houses wearing black jackets and gray long sleeves with cap and face mask, and at gunpoint hogged-tied the victims and carted away valuable items, including cellphones, identification documents, a short firearm, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The initial investigation revealed the identity of the initial Person of Interest responsible for the perpetration of the crime and after conducting series of follow-up operations, our tracker team from Kawit MPS and operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit positively identified the vehicle used by the suspects, a white Toyota Hi-Ace Van owned by a private individual in Tanza, Cavite. The continued investigation leads to the positive identification of the owner of the van which in turn identified as Police Senior Master Sergeant John Mellona assigned in Cavite Provincial Intelligence and Detective Management Unit as Pre-Charge Investigator as the person who rented the van used in the robbery on February 13, 2024. This initial information leads us to the revelation of other suspects involved in the robbery.

The suspects identified as Police Senior Master Sergeant Jhon Paolo Maigue Mellona, Police Ssenior Master Sergeant Reynaldo Andrada Quilit Jr. assigned at the Provincial Intelligence Unit of Cavite PPO, Police Corporal Lynard Pastrana Pareja assigned at the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of Laguna PPO, along with their 2 civilian cohorts, and four (4) John Does face charge of Robbery in Band following a formal complaint filed by the victims against them at about 11:50 AM of March 5, 2024, at the Cavite Prosecutor’s Office, Imus City, Cavite. This was also a part of the case build up procedure provided by Department Circular No. 20 of the Department of Justice.

After the charges were filed, we immediately issued an order to the three (3) police suspects to be relieved from their respective units to be reassigned to the Regional Headquarters Holding Area Section (RPHAS) and placed them under restrictive custody. I also ordered the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division in coordination with the Regional Internal Affairs Service for a parallel administrative investigation.

PBGen. Lucas said:
“To our beloved citizens, As the Regional Director of PRO CALABARZON, I reiterate my clear stance against misconduct by any member of our force.

We condemned such actions in the strongest terms and assure the public that these officers, if found guilty, will meet the full arms of the law.

We will ensure the safety and security of our community and we shall have zero tolerance for any form of criminal activity involving members of our police force.”

#Edjun Mariposque