Targets in E. Pangasinan killed

LINGAYEN–The intensification of efforts by the police to curb lawlessness in response to the two-strike policy imposed on chiefs of police in Pangasinan has not deterred hired guns from claiming more victims.

The most recent target felled by motorcycle-riding killers was P02 John Arvin Jacob, 35, a member of the Urdaneta City police who conducted a surveillance on a reported crime incident in Bararangay Dilan-Paurido.

He was shot in the back by unidentified armed men riding in tandem on a motorcycle.

Superintendent Fidel Drapeza, chief of police of Urdaneta City, confirmed that Jacob was undertaking surveillance work when gunned down by the suspects.

He said they have already pinpointed the motive of the killing which can lead to the positive identification and arrest of the perpetrators, including the mastermind very soon.

Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Franklin Bucayu has called for a speedier investigation into the case because the killing shows policemen are now targets themselves.

Bucayu queried why Jacob was sent to conduct the surveillance alone at night.

Meanwhile more victims were shot dead by armed men riding in tandem on motorcycles.

FARMERS KILLED

Among the victims were two farmers from Barangay Calmay, Laoag who were shot dead while inside their compound by a group of men riding in tandem on two motorcycles at about 4:00 p.m. of December 27.

The victims were identified as Artemio Gali, 48, and Temoteo Diono, 50.

Investigation showed that the suspects on board two motorcycles with no plate numbers, arrived and confronted both Gali and Diono.

AS they argued, one of the suspects drew a handgun and shot the victims pointblank, both sustaining gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies.

Nine spent shells for Caliber 45 pistol were found at the crime scene by responding lawmen.

Meanwhile, a rush of killings was registered in more towns.

John Carlo Mendoza of Barangay C. Lichauco, Tayug was on his way to attend Simbang Gabi Christmas mass at Panganiban Catholic Church in Tayug at 9:30 p.m. when he was shot in the back by the perpetrators who were on board a motorcycle.

He was rushed to the Tayug Family Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

Motive for the killing was not immediately known.

Two other victims were reportedly killed separately by motorcycle-riding suspects riding in tandem

Noel Natino, 44, who was shot by armed men while about to enter the family’s home in Barangay Libsong, Sta. Maria while Zaldy Vinluan, 42, of Centro Amistad, Tayug was killed in San Quintin. Both incidents happened December 29.

Meanwhile, Jose Fortes,38, was wounded when shot twice by unidentified motorcycle rider in Sitio Molina, Barangay Labney, San Jacinto.

Police have yet to determine motives for their killings.

Back to Homepage