Lt. Col. Marlon Serna
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bulacan provincial government have offered a P1.2 million reward for anyone who could provide information that will lead to the arrest of those behind the killing of Lt. Col. Marlon Serna, the chief of police of San Miguel, Bulacan, on Saturday.
Serna suffered a fatal gunshot wound in the head from two suspects onboard a motorcycle who fired at him and his men as they rushed to respond to a reported robbery incident in Barangay San Juan in the town of San Miguel on Saturday night, the PNP regional office in Central Luzon said.
The team reached a “dark” corner of Barangay Bohol na Mangga in San Ildefonso when two unidentified gunmen onboard a Mio motorcycle opened fire on them, hitting Serna on his head. The suspects were able to escape.
Serna was rushed to the Emmanuel Manuel Hospital but later died while getting treatment, the PNP said.
Central Luzon Police Director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. ordered Bulacan police provincial director Col. Relly Arnedo to conduct an “in-depth and thorough” investigation to fast-track the resolution of the case.
“This is unfortunate news for us as one of our members was killed in line with our diligent efforts to arrest lawless elements and while nothing can make up for his loss, along with our deepest condolences, we assure his bereaved family that they will get the necessary benefits that is due them,” Hidalgo said.
According to Hidalgo, the DILG offered P500,000 worth of cash reward for the tipster, with another P300,000 from PNP Central Luzon and P200,000 from the PNP. Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando also pledged to add P200,000.
In a separate statement, the PNP asked the public “to remain calm and to refrain from spreading unverified information” that may cause confusion while the investigation is underway.
“The PNP assures the public that they will continue to uphold peace and order in the community and will not tolerate any form of criminal activity… Let us support the ongoing investigation and trust that justice will be served,” it said.