SANTA IGNACIA, TARLAC — Eight men were arrested after allegedly attempting to break into and rob a pawnshop in Barangay Poblacion West, Santa Ignacia on Friday, September 4.

According to the Tarlac Police Provincial Office, the Tactical Operations Center received a 911 call after the security alarm of an ML Lhuillier pawnshop along Romulo Highway was activated at around 10:30 a.m.

When responding officers arrived, they reportedly discovered a small opening in the floor near the establishment’s roll-up door. Authorities believe the opening may have been created as an entry point into the pawnshop.

Suspects allegedly used drainage canal

Based on the initial police investigation, the suspects allegedly used a drainage canal along Romulo Highway to approach the establishment.

Authorities then launched a hot pursuit operation, which led to the arrest of five men who were reportedly attempting to flee through the drainage canal in Barangay Poblacion West.

Police said they recovered an improvised firearm, two hand grenades, a pressure jack, a hacksaw, two crowbars, a metal chisel, and five sachets of suspected shabu from the group.

Three more suspects arrested

According to police, the five arrested men allegedly identified three other suspected accomplices who were waiting along Romulo Highway in Barangay Poblacion East aboard an Elf truck.

A follow-up operation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of the three additional suspects.

Authorities reportedly recovered the Elf truck, one hand grenade, three sachets of suspected shabu, and one rifle grenade during the operation.

TPPO Director Col. Harry Lorenzo III commended the quick response of the police and the concerned citizen who immediately reported the activated security alarm.

Further official details, including the specific charges to be filed against the suspects, are still being awaited.

Everything Tarlac News will continue to monitor official updates regarding the incident.