MANILA, Philippines — A series of criminal incidents has been reported in Manila and surrounding areas, raising concerns about safety and security amid ongoing law enforcement operations.

On Tuesday, two members of the notorious "Termite Gang" executed a sophisticated robbery at the EJM Pawnshop located at the intersection of Quirino Highway and Susana Street in Barangay Gulod, Quezon City.

The suspects reportedly excavated a tunnel leading into the pawnshop and gained entry around 4 a.m. An employee discovered the burglary and promptly reported it to the Novaliches Police Station.

Surveillance footage revealed the suspects escaping through a hole inside the establishment.

They also disabled the alarm system and forcibly opened the vault using an acetylene torch, stealing jewelry valued at approximately P3.5 million and cash amounting to P200,000.

In a separate incident on May 11, 2025, five suspected criminals affiliated with a "Salisi" gang were apprehended at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. This group had been targeting unsuspecting passengers, particularly during the security shift change between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. An ongoing surveillance operation by the Manila International Airport Authority Airport Police Department led to their arrest.

The suspects allegedly distracted their victims while accomplices stole their belongings.

While five were captured, five additional members fled the scene.

Authorities recovered two cellphones and a laptop believed to belong to a passenger.

In another violent event, a woman in San Mariano, Isabela, remains in critical condition after being shot by her jealous husband.

The shooting erupted following an argument related to the woman's past relationship, which triggered the suspect's anger.

According to Dr. Janette Leandro from San Mariano Provincial and Medical Hospital, the bullet penetrated the victim's hand, necessitating evaluation by a surgeon.

The suspect remains at large following the incident.

Moreover, a man wanted for murder in Cavite was arrested in San Pablo City, Laguna.

Local authorities identified the suspect, known as alias 'Joshua', and executed an operation based on credible information about his whereabouts.

The arrest was pursuant to a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court in Tagaytay City for a murder charge.

Additionally, a shooting incident occurred involving a mayoral candidate in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, during which three individuals were killed, including a poll watcher.

The armed ambush took place early on election day while the candidates were traveling by boat.

Two others sustained injuries and were taken to a medical facility.

The candidate, Jamar Mansul, who previously served as mayor from 2013 to 2019, survived the attack.

Police launched a pursuit operation to capture the assailants who managed to flee after a brief exchange of gunfire.

These incidents reflect rising tensions and security challenges in the region as local law enforcement intensifies efforts to combat criminal activities.