Residents question cop’s death inside Isabela training center

Map of Isabela province. INQUIRER.net

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela—The death of a 48-year-old police officer inside the Regional Training Center in the Cagayan Valley region has sparked public concern and suspicion due to what residents described as delayed and incomplete accounts from authorities.

The officer, identified only as Police Senior Master Sergeant Bumilac, a native of Hingyon, Ifugao and resident of San Leonardo, Aglipay, Quirino, was a trainee of the Public Safety Senior Leadership Course (PSSLC) at the center. He was reportedly found dead at 9:30 p.m. on July 12.

“It’s perplexing that he was found beside a police patrol car, yet no immediate or detailed explanation was provided,” said a college instructor who previously taught at the training center.

Rommel Dela Cruz, a local resident, echoed similar concerns. “Why the silence? Is there a whitewash here?” he asked.

Bumilac’s body was discovered slumped between the patrol vehicle and the perimeter fence inside the training compound. He was rushed to Cauayan District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Police claimed that Bumilac had a history of hypertension and had previously suffered two heart attacks. However, his body was not subjected to an autopsy.

His remains were brought to his ancestral home in Hingyon, Ifugao, where a wake is currently being held. /mr