Three suspects were arrested hours after a man was shot dead along the national highway in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, on Monday afternoon, Oct. 26.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region identified the suspects only as aliases “Chris,” “KM,” and “Mar.”
Police said the victim was riding a white Honda Beat motorcycle along Sitio Asinan, Brgy. Bagonawa, at around 3:45 p.m. when he was allegedly followed by suspects aboard a blackish-red Toyota Innova.
The victim was shot several times before the assailants fled, police said.
Personnel of the San Enrique Municipal Police Station launched a hot pursuit operation and reviewed available CCTV footage to determine the getaway vehicle’s direction.
Police also coordinated with nearby stations for dragnet operations
At around 6:20 p.m., Bago City police intercepted the suspected getaway vehicle at Purok Crossing La Carlota in Brgy. Don Jorge Araneta.
The operation resulted in the arrest of the three suspects.
Initial investigation identified “Chris” as the alleged driver of the vehicle, while “KM” and “Mar” were tagged by police as the alleged gunmen.
Authorities recovered a semi-automatic rifle, a 9mm pistol, ammunition, the suspected getaway vehicle and other pieces of evidence.
Police also recovered an improvised tooter from one of the suspects.
The three were brought to the San Enrique Municipal Police Station for documentation and further investigation.
Police said murder charges under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code are being prepared against the suspects.
Additional complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, are also being considered following the recovery of the firearms and ammunition.
One suspect may also face a complaint under Section 12 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, in connection with the recovered improvised tooter.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives were requested to process the crime scene and recovered evidence.
PRO-NIR director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales commended the police units involved for the coordinated response that led to the arrests.
Police said further investigation is ongoing as authorities complete the evidence and prepare the appropriate charges for filing before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Bacolod City.*
[sibwp_form id=1]