MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday ordered a probe into a shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of two people, a police officer and a civilian and injury of another police officer in Maragondon, Cavite.
The shooting incident transpired around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday at a resort in Maragondon, Cavite resulting in the arrest of the suspect, a police corporal.
Nartatez said the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being established and the investigation, including the necessary forensic examination and other procedures, is ongoing.
Nartatez reminded all PNP personnel to strictly observe existing policies and procedures on firearm safety and handling, proper conduct, and the use of force.
“Police officers are expected to exercise discipline, restraint, and sound judgment at all times, whether on or off duty. The PNP will not prejudge the case, but neither will it tolerate any violation of the law or PNP rules and regulations. We will follow the evidence, respect due process, and take the appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation,” said Nartatez in a statement.
Based on the police report, all four individuals were together “under the influence of liquor,” about to leave the resort in Barangay San Miguel A, Maragondon, when the shooting happened.
Cops identified the suspect as a 35-year-old police corporal assigned to the Trece Martires City police while the victims were a civilian, a police staff sergeant assigned to the Magallanes police, and another police corporal assigned to the Ternate police.
The arrested police corporal was taken into the custody of the Maragondon police to face charges. Arresting officers recovered a Glock 17 9mm pistol with a magazine from the suspect and a Pierto Beretta 9mm pistol with a magazine from one of the victims.
For his part, Cavite police chief Col. Ariel Red said the Maragondon chief of police was relieved from his post following the incident and placed under the Cavite Police Personnel Holding and Accounting Section, pending investigation.
“The incident is being taken seriously and the investigation will be conducted thoroughly, objectively and in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations,” Red said.
“Automatic yan yung COP immediately relieved natin yan at yung suspect naman natin is natural naaresto naman natin siya kaya on the process ang investigation kung ano ang criminal liability niya at administrative liability niya during the investigation (That's automatic, we immediately relieved the COP and our suspect, of course, we arrested him, so the investigation is in the process as to what his criminal liability and administrative liability are during the investigation),” he told reporters in a phone interview.
Meanwhile, the PNP extends its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and assures the public that the incident is being investigated thoroughly and objectively.
