MANILA: The Philippine National Police - Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) has initiated an investigation into two separate shooting incidents involving police officers that resulted in two fatalities. The incidents, which occurred in North Cotabato and Negros Occidental, have raised questions about police conduct and accountability.
According to Philippines News Agency, the first incident involved Cpl. Alfred Sabas, a member of the General Santos City Police Office. Sabas reportedly shot and killed Reynaldo Bigno Jr., a security guard, following an argument on a Mindanao Star bus. The altercation took place at around 2:30 a.m. on December 28 in Barangay Batasan, Makilala, North Cotabato. The situation escalated as Sabas, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, injured two fellow officers, Cpl. Kent Maurith Pamaos and Patrolman Russel Love Tapia, as the bus traveled to the boundary of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur. Sabas fled after the incident but was later apprehended in Barangay Kinuskusan, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur.
In a separate incident, Cpl. Armin Alanza of the 604th Regional Mobile Force Battalion is under scrutiny for a shooting on Christmas Day in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental. Alanza allegedly shot and killed 21-year-old Joman Fuentes and wounded his father, Jomarie Fuentes, aged 52, after an altercation. Alanza is currently receiving medical treatment at The Doctors Hospital in Bacolod City and has been questioned by investigators regarding the incident.
Brigido Dulay, the Inspector General of the IAS, expressed the agency's commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability, stating, "This shocking act of violence is a betrayal of the trust placed in our police force. The PNP cannot and will not tolerate such reprehensible behavior within its ranks." Dulay emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the police force and vowed that justice would be served.
The PNP-IAS continues to investigate both incidents, highlighting the need for accountability and integrity within the police ranks to prevent future occurrences of abuse of authority. The outcomes of these investigations are awaited as the agency strives to uphold the principles of justice and public trust.
