By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY—Police Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, director of Police Regional Office (PRO)-6, has ordered a thorough, impartial, and swift investigation into a shooting incident involving a policeman that killed a construction worker and injured his father in Barangay Canjusa, Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, on Christmas Day.
The fatality was identified as “Joman,” 21, while his father, “Jomarie,” 52, sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and is currently recovering in a hospital.
According to an initial police investigation, the 36-year-old suspect, Police Cpl. Armin Alanza, allegedly cautioned the victims as they purchased beers at a sari-sari store.
An altercation ensued between Alanza and the victims, escalating into a commotion that culminated in the shooting at around 4 a.m.
Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, public information officer for the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), reported that Joman suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest, while his father was wounded.
Catalogo stated that part of the investigation is to determine whether Alanza was intoxicated during the incident and if the firearm used—a Taurus PT 92 9mm pistol—was his service weapon.
Alanza is currently under hospital arrest after sustaining injuries, reportedly inflicted by an unidentified blunt object during the commotion.
The PRO-6 assured a comprehensive investigation into the incident involving Alanza, who resides in Barangay Canjusa and is assigned to the 604th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)-6.
In a statement, Wanky extended his condolences to the victims’ family and vowed support for them.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family members of the victims of this unfortunate incident caused by one of our members,” he said.
Wanky emphasized that a swift pre-charge investigation will be conducted to expedite Alanza’s dismissal from the police service.
“While we reward officers for extraordinary deeds in the line of duty, we are also quick to remove and prosecute those who violate our rules, much more if they are involved in criminal activities,” he added.
He assured the public that this was an isolated case, stating, “We do not tolerate or condone any wrongdoing by our officers. Those involved in crimes or illegal activities will face the consequences of their actions.”
Catalogo said the firearm recovered at the scene will undergo ballistic examination, and if necessary, a paraffin test will be conducted.
A motu proprio investigation is also being carried out by the Provincial Internal Affairs Services (PIAS) to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of the case.
