• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A policeman assigned at the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6, is now in hot water for the shooting death of a construction worker and injuries to the victim’s father, on December 25 at Purok Maligaya in Barangay Canjusa, Pulupandan, Negros Occidental.
The 21-year-old construction worker, alias Joman, was declared dead on arrival at the Valladolid District Hospital, where his injured father, Jomarie, 52, is also being treated, according to a report of the Pulupandan Police Station, submitted to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.
Police investigation showed that the suspect, P/Cpl. Armin Alanza, a 36-year-old police officer assigned at the 604th Maneuver Company of RMFB 6, and the victims figured in heated arguments at a sari-sari store, where the policeman was drinking beer.
The suspect, according to the police, shot the two victims using his issued firearm, a Taurus PT92 9mm pistol, following a commotion.
The police officer also sustained injuries on the head after he was struck there by Joemarie, using the gun he recovered from the suspect, police investigations further showed.
In a statement, the Police Regional Office 6 assured the victims and their family of an in-depth, impartial, and swift investigation into the shooting incident.
PBrig. Gen. Jack Wanky, regional police director of Western Visayas, said that a speedy pre-charge investigation will be conducted against the suspect, for his immediate dismissal from the PNP service.
“While we may be quick to reward those who perform extraordinary deeds in pursuit of their duties and responsibilities, we are also quick to get rid and dismiss those who violate our rules and regulations, much more be involved in criminal activities,” Wanky said.
He added that the PNP will extend support to the family of the victims.*
