FEBRUARY 13, 2026 — A security guard in Sta. Maria, Bulacan ditched his duty for a dangerous gamble — robbing three convenience stores in one night before cops finally caught up with him.

Police said Ariel Lebosta, 37, of Barangay Bulac, was arrested Wednesday evening after a hot pursuit operation. He was nabbed while trying to escape on his motorcycle, minutes after hitting his third target.

His last stop? An Alfamart branch in Barangay San Jose Patag, where he allegedly pointed a .38-caliber revolver at a 28-year-old cashier around 7:28 p.m. and fled with the store’s sales. Just before that, authorities said he had already robbed two other Alfamart branches in Pulong Buhangin and Patag.

In total, Lebosta carted away ₱18,000 from the three stores. Recovered from him were the revolver and four rounds of ammunition.

Police Colonel Mark Louie Sigua, chief of Sta. Maria police, said Lebosta’s motive was allegedly tied to gambling addiction. Charges of robbery and violation of Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, have been filed before the Bulacan Prosecutor’s Office in Malolos.

When the very people hired to guard establishments turn into stick-up men, it shakes public trust. Convenience stores are lifelines in many barangays — open late, accessible, and often staffed by young workers just trying to earn a living. A holdup like this doesn’t just empty cash registers; it rattles the sense of safety in everyday life.

So what’s next — do we start guarding the guards?

(Image: Wikimedia Commons)