Two of four accused in the killing of Brgy. Sta. Rosa kagawad Joe Arnel Gawan in Murcia, Negros Occidental, have been arrested, the police said Thursday, August 13.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said the arrests were made on Aug. 10 and 11 following months of investigation by the Special Investigation Task Group “GAWAN.”
Gawan was shot dead in Purok Puncian, Brgy. Sta. Rosa, on January 26.
Police said the barangay official had just alighted from a Mitsubishi Highlander after participating in a clean-up drive when an assailant allegedly shot him in the head and fled.
The SITG was subsequently created to intensify intelligence gathering, case build-up and coordination among police units investigating the killing.
Police said the investigation eventually identified four individuals allegedly involved in the murder, leading to the filing of a murder case on February 13.
Following the issuance of arrest warrants, Murcia police arrested alias “Jo,” 42, a construction worker, at around 7:50 p.m. on Aug. 10 in Brgy. Zone 2.
He is listed as the No. 9 most wanted person at the regional level, police said.
Another accused, alias “Angi,” 52, also a construction worker, was arrested at around 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 11 in the same barangay.
Both accused are residents of Brgy. Sta. Rosa.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said the arrests mark a significant development in the investigation but stressed that operations will continue to locate the two remaining accused.
“We will remain relentless until all those responsible are brought before the law through lawful, intelligence-driven, and evidence-based police operations,” Cardiño said.
Police said follow-up operations and case monitoring are continuing as authorities pursue the remaining accused.*
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