Suspect in killing of four cops in Negros Oriental arrested

July 23, 2019

Authorities arrested one of the alleged suspects in the killing of four police intelligence officers in Ayungon, Negros Oriental last week.


Police Major Romel Luga, chief of Ayungon Police, told The Daily Manila Shimbun the suspect was arrested last Friday while five suspects and five John Does remain at large.


“We filed murder and robbery case but the court lowered it to theft,” said Luga.


He said they  have witnesses that will help them in looking for other suspects.


Luga said the reward money by President Rodrigo Duterte will be help them to speed up the investigation.


“This will be a big help for us and people will cooperate in pointing at the suspects,” he said.


Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said they are eyeing the barangay captain. who allegedly committed suicide after drinking pesticide. He is under medication as he is responsible for the incident, said PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde in a press briefing.


“He is not off the hook because based on the investigation, it appears that not necessarily he participated in the incident but definitely he has knowledge in the presence of armed group,” said Albayalde.


Albayalde also welcomed the reward offered by Duterte but he clarified it is incumbent for them to go after the perpetrators.


“Even without a reward, we will go after the suspects,” he said.


Last night, after his State of the Nation Address, Duterte said he is offering one million reward for anyone who can point at the leader of the group who killed the police officers.


“I only have one announcement outside. I’m offering one million for the leader of the bandits who killed the four policemen in Negros (Oriental),” he said.


“Much better if they are dead. If they are dead, I will (give) three hundred (thousand). So it’s one million three hundred. Just bring me the head of that idiot leader there. One million. No questions asked… All he has to do is give a little information,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS