THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) debunked online claims suggesting that the broad daylight robbery of jewelry and pawnshop along Ilustre Street, Poblacion District, on February 26, 2025, was staged. The heist saw suspects escape with an estimated P40 million to P100 million worth of valuables.
During a send-off ceremony for Araw ng Dabaw security personnel, DCPO acting city director Police Colonel Hansel Marantan dismissed speculation that the robbery was part of a Simulation Exercise (Simex), a drill designed to test emergency preparedness.
"That's irrelevant now. This is not a Simex; this is for real. Nakita nyo ba ang mga alahas? (Did you see the jewelry?) It’s worth millions. We cannot provide such high-value items,” Marantan told Davao media.
He also revealed that authorities suspect a larger, organized group orchestrated the crime, and a follow-up operation is underway to track down the remaining two suspects.
"There was a tipster and very accurate ang mga actions nila. It’s too early to make open statements now. Give us more time para imbestigahan pa para mabigyan kayo ng mas accurate na information (There was a tipster, and their actions were very precise. It’s too early to make open statements now. Give us more time to investigate so we can provide you with more accurate information). Give us a few more days. Heads will roll),” Marantan said.
Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) head Angel Sumagaysay reinforced Marantan’s statement, emphasizing that the city’s CCTV system played a crucial role in identifying the suspects and leading to one arrest.
He assured business owners that security forces would enhance visibility in key areas.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-Davao) has offered a P100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
Shortly after the heist, authorities arrested a suspect identified as Jonny from Leyte near the Bankerohan Public Market. He faces robbery charges and violations of the Omnibus Election Code. Firearms and a getaway motorcycle were also recovered.
The DCPO has confirmed that investigations and dragnet operations remain ongoing. DEF