Candelaria: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday vowed to hunt down the members of a gun-for-hire syndicate tagged in the killing of a police officer and wounding of two others during a skirmish in Candelaria, Quezon. Pat. Ron Jay Chavez of the First Quezon Provincial Mobile Force Company (First QPMFC) was killed, while his teammates, M/Sgt. Sonny Caringal and Pat. Kim Kenneth Averia were wounded, when an armed group opened fire on their routine mobile patrol in Sitio Pulyok, Barangay San Isidro on Dec. 19.

According to Philippines News Agency, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by police officers in the line of duty. "We mourn the loss of Patrolman Chavez, whose service and bravery will not be forgotten, and we assure his family and our wounded personnel that the PNP stands with them," PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said in a statement.

Nartatez, along with other PNP officials, personally visited the wounded officers at the United Candelaria Doctors Hospital on Sunday. During the visit, Nartatez awarded them the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting and the Medalya ng Kadakilaan to recognize the officers' courage and sacrifice in the line of duty, and extended financial assistance to support their recovery.

He then directed PRO4A and the Quezon Police Provincial Office to sustain intelligence-driven operations against gun-for-hire syndicates and other organized armed groups operating in the region. He stressed that those responsible for the death of Chavez shall be held accountable.

According to reports, the three officers noticed suspicious individuals near a banana plantation during a routine patrol and approached them. The suspects, carrying M16 rifles and a pistol, opened fire on the approaching police officers. The alleged leader of the group, alias Mark, was killed in a follow-up operation by the Quezon Police Provincial Office. Police recovered firearms and an abandoned vehicle while operations continue to track down the remaining suspects.

Nartatez also assured that the PNP will continue providing financial, psychological, and logistical support to the families of the slain and wounded officers.