A policeman trying to pacify a fight and two civilians were stabbed dead outside a restobar in Barangay Salvacion, Murcia, Negros Occidental, 1:10 a.m. Friday, March 31.
Two other policemen and the owner of Handi Seafood Restaurant, who also tried to stop the fight, were also injured, Maj. Marc Joeil Reclamado, Murcia police chief, said.
Killed was PCpl Gabby Tamayo Castillo of La Carlota City, his companion Benedict Senosa Maguad of Murcia and restaurant customer Marvin Guardavilla of La Castellana.
Injured were Castillo’s companions Staff Sgts. Namelou Sapuan, 35, of Murcia and Jaytie Misme, 35, of Valladolid; and restaurant owner Fernando Diaz, of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Murcia.
The three suspects were identified as Marjune Gallano and his nephew Jojie Gallano, both of Barangay Canlandog, and Venus Grace Catbagan of Barangay Zone 1, all in Murcia.
The policemen who were killed and injured are members of the 2nd Maneuver Platoon of 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company based in Bago City who had stopped by the restaurant for drinks.
While they were drinking they noticed that there was a commotion outside the restaurant and went to pacify those involved but were attacked instead, Reclamado said.
The fight started between Guardavilla and Marjune Gallano, witnesses said.
Witnesses said Marjune, who was armed with a knife, stabbed Guardavilla and the policemen in the rumble, Reclamado added.
Marjune and his two companions were arrested during a hot pursuit operation and are now detained at the Murcia Police Station. They have denied killing the victims.
Investigators recovered the Glock 17 9mm service pistols with ammunition of Castillo and Misme.*