[Updated] Police launched a manhunt following a shooting incident that left three people dead, including two Philippine National Police personnel and one Bureau of Corrections personnel, in Barangay Irawan on the night of Good Friday, April 3.
The victims were identified by sources as PSSg Ryan Cris Cabaña and PSSg Jayson Fernandez, both assigned to Puerto Princesa City Police Station 2 (S 2), and Jerson Ojario Talon, a Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) personnel and resident of Zone 13. The Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) has yet to issue official confirmation of their identities.
Initial information indicated that the shooting occurred at around 9:40 p.m. in Zone 13 near a house that was holding a wake. A concerned citizen reportedly called authorities at around 10:16 p.m. However, the PPCPO said the incident occurred at around 10:30 p.m.
Responding officers found the three victims lying on the ground upon arrival at the scene.
No motive has been established yet, although there were claims that an exchange of gunfire occurred on the night of the incident following an altercation.
City Director Police Col. Cristine Tabdi ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation, directing Police Station 2 under Police Major Ray Aron Elona to lead the case build-up and pursue leads.
At present, Police Station 2, in close coordination with other units of the PPCPO, the Puerto Princesa City Forensic Unit (PPCFU), and other concerned agencies, is conducting an in-depth follow-up investigation to determine the motive behind the crime and establish the identity of the suspect or suspects.
Investigative efforts include gathering testimonies from witnesses, coordinating with local residents, collecting and reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity, and conducting a meticulous crime scene examination.
Police are currently conducting hot pursuit operations to track down and arrest the suspect or suspects as soon as possible.
“The PPCPO strongly condemns this senseless act of violence, especially against uniformed personnel who are dedicated to serving and protecting the public,” the city police office said.
“We assure the families of the victims and the community that all necessary measures are being undertaken to ensure that justice is served,” it added.
Police said they are in the process of activating a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to ensure focused attention and strengthen coordination among law enforcement units.
“We urge the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative,” the PPCPO said.
“Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to immediately coordinate with Police Station 2 through (0927) 162-4065, or contact the Puerto Princesa City Police Office via (0977) 855-7732,” it added.
“Your timely cooperation is vital to the successful resolution of this case, the upholding of the rule of law, and the preservation of peace and order in our community.”
Meanwhile, friends and colleagues of the victims took to Facebook to express grief and call for justice following the incident.
Some posts identified one of the victims and carried messages of sympathy, while others shared personal tributes and condolences for the families.
In one post, El Nido police chief Thirz Starky Timbancaya expressed sympathy and called for justice for one of the slain officers.
“My deepest sympathy, Sgt. Yan Cabaña, my inaanak, at sa ibang tropa… anuman ang dahilan nauwi sa barilan, justice for you Puerto Princesa City Police,” he said. (with reports from Gerald Ticke and Cris Dela Cruz)
