Farmer accused of killing SAF member nabbed in Basey, Samar

TACLOBAN CITY –– A farmer suspected of killing a member of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was arrested on Dec. 16 while hiding in Basey town, Samar.

Jerry Yangga, 48, was accused of killing Patrolman Marvin Allata, while they were having a commando test mission in Barangay Mabini, Basey on Dec. 13.

Police conducted a hot pursuit operation on Yangga, who was arrested on Dec.16.

Seized from Yangga’s possession were an improvised shotgun and a hand grenade.

Yangga was charged with murder and illegal possession of explosives at the Regional Trial Court Branch 20 in Basey town on Dec. 17.

Based on the report of Captain Berniedel Magamay, Basey police chief, the SAF personnel were having their commando test mission when they noticed that the suspect had an improvised shotgun.

While he was about to be arrested, Yangga grabbed a short-bladed weapon, locally known as “pisaw” and stabbed Allata.

Allata died while being treated at the Divine Word Hospital in Tacloban City on Dec.14.