Daring Davao pawnshop heist: Suspect nabbed, firearms and millions in jewelry recovered

DAVAO CITY – A high-stakes robbery unfolded at Hannah Pawnshop, Ilustre Branch, in Barangay 3-A, Davao City, on the morning of February 26, 2025, when a group of armed men stormed the establishment and looted jewelry worth millions of pesos.

Based on initial investigations, five suspects executed the heist at approximately 9:55 AM, seizing ₱40 million to ₱100 million worth of assorted jewelry before attempting to flee towards Bankerohan Public Market.

However, a motorbike malfunction proved costly for the suspects, as a video captured three of them struggling to restart their getaway vehicle. This mishap triggered a high-speed chase, culminating in the arrest of one suspect at Bankerohan Public Market in Barangay 6-A.

Davao City Police Director Col. Hansel Marantan vowed to pursue the remaining suspects aggressively.

“We are looking at around five individuals who carried out the heist. We won’t stop with one arrest; let’s see what develops,” Marantan said.

Responding swiftly, San Pedro Police Chief Maj. Emmanuel Manlatican mobilized a hot pursuit team led by PCPT Narciso N. Potot Jr., resulting in the arrest of Jonny Dejito Bulawan, a resident of Albuera, Leyte.

The intense operations led to the discovery of One M16 rifle with live ammunition, One 9mm Trooper pistol, One black Honda TMX 125 motorcycle (temporary plate number 1501-303378) and a sack bag containing assorted stolen jewelry

Atty. Miguel Palma Gil, the pawnshop’s legal counsel, confirmed the stolen jewelry’s estimated worth.

Eyewitnesses described the robbery as swift and terrifying, with armed men forcing their way into the shop. Still visibly shaken, Pawnshop employees were escorted to the San Pedro Police Station to assist in identifying the suspect and verifying the recovered items.

Given the well-planned nature of the operation, police are investigating whether an organized crime group is behind the heist. Meanwhile, security in Davao City’s business districts has been intensified to prevent similar incidents

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Authorities urge the public to provide any information that could lead to the capture of the remaining suspects.