PNP probes cop who killed 1, wounded 2 during bus ride
Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) is probing an officer who shot dead a civilian aboard a bus in Cotabato and injured two fellow cops at a checkpoint in Davao del Sur.
The regional office of IAS in Soccsksargen said on Monday said it deployed investigators to gather evidence and witness testimony.
On Dec. 28, General Santos City-based Police Corporal Alfred Sabas fatally shot Reynaldo Bigno Jr., an off-duty security guard, without provocation, on a Mindanao Star Bus going through Barangay Batasan, Makilala in Cotabato en route to Davao, after supposedly arguing with his live-in partner.
Afterward, the suspect forced the driver to continue the journey, according to the IAS.
When the bus reached the police checkpoint in Barangay New Opon, Magsaysay in Davao del Sur, the driver sought assistance from the officers on duty. The suspect then opened fire, wounding Cpl. Kent Pamaos and Pat. Russel Tapia, and fled the scene.
Article continues after this advertisementSabas was caught on the same day after a hot pursuit operation, according to the Police Regional Office 11’s (PRO 11) statement Monday.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Cop in bus shooting regrets killing security guard, hurting 2 cops
IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay decried the incident.
“This shocking act of violence is a betrayal of the trust placed in our police force,” he said.
“The Philippine National Police cannot and will not tolerate such reprehensible behavior within its ranks. The Internal Affairs Service is determined to uncover the truth, hold the perpetrator accountable and restore public confidence in our institution. Justice will be served,” he added.
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Sabas will face murder and frustrated murder charges to be filed by the town police of Makilala in Cotabato and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur, respectively.
IAS also said it was speeding up the filing of administrative charges against the suspect, pledging transparency in the investigation.
