MANILA – Two suspects are facing double murder charges following a shootout that resulted in the deaths of two police officers and a lawyer on Sunday in Tagaytay City.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said police arrested Elver Mabuti and Benedicto Herbon, a retired sheriff during a follow up operation.
The two were involved in the shooting inside the Prime Peak Subdivision in Barangay Maitim 2nd Central, which led to the death of Capt. Adrian Binalay, assigned to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - National Capital Region and Capt. Tomas Ganio Batarao Jr., assigned to the Regional Personnel Holding Accounting Section of the National Capital Region Police Office.
Also killed in the incident was lawyer Denis Santos, police said.
“These persons under custody and another suspect at large, a witness submitted a sworn statement that they opened fire during the incident. We are looking into the land dispute as the motive as there is a row between a claimant represented by a lawyer and the one who claims to be the owner of the land and possess a title to it," Fajardo said in Filipino.
Citing a report from the Tagaytay City police, Fajardo said the two police officers were invited to check on a parcel of land inside the subdivision.
When they arrived in the area, the two police officers were advised not to go inside but the owner of the land allegedly insisted on letting them enter the property.
While the two police officers were checking the property, Santos' group arrived in the area and started shooting at the two police officers.
Binalay was instantly killed on the spot and Batarao and Santos succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and died at the hospital.
The PNP has created an investigation team to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil condoled with the families of the slain police officers.
“The entire police force mourns the tragic loss of our brave officers. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that justice is served swiftly,” Marbil said in a separate statement.
Police Regional Office-Calabarzon Director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas said the investigation team is actively gathering evidence and statements to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Rest assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the facts and provide justice to the victims and their families,” he said. (With a report from Zen Trinidad/PNA)
Commentaires