BACOLOD City – Three suspects in a fatal shooting in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, were arrested in a hot pursuit operation in Bago City on October 26, about two and a half hours after the incident.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the suspects were intercepted at around 6:20 p.m. in Barangay Don Jorge Araneta, following coordinated police operations.
The victim was shot dead at around 3:45 p.m. while riding a white Honda Beat motorcycle along the national highway in Sitio Asinan, Barangay Bagonawa, San Enrique.
Initial police investigation showed that the victim was allegedly being followed by unidentified individuals aboard a blackish-red Toyota Innova. The suspects reportedly shot the victim several times before fleeing.
Personnel of the San Enrique Municipal Police Station immediately launched an investigation and hot pursuit operation.
Police reviewed available closed-circuit television footage to trace the suspected getaway vehicle’s route and coordinated with neighboring police stations for dragnet operations, leading to the interception of the vehicle and the arrest of the three suspects.
The suspects were identified only by their aliases as “Chris,” “KM,” and “Mar.” Police said Chris allegedly drove the vehicle, while KM and Mar were initially identified as the suspected gunmen.
Authorities recovered firearms, ammunition and other pieces of evidence, including the vehicle believed to have been used in the shooting.
The suspects may face murder charges under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code. Additional charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, are also being considered following the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
One suspect may also face a charge for violating Section 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, after an improvised tooter was recovered from his possession.
Authorities are preparing the appropriate charges for filing before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Bacolod City.
The police also sought assistance from the Scene of the Crime Operatives for crime scene processing and evidence collection.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo L. Reales commended the operating units for their swift response and coordination, which led to the suspects’ arrest and the recovery of evidence.
Reales said the arrests demonstrated the police force’s commitment to pursuing suspects in serious crimes and ensuring accountability through the legal process.
He also stressed the importance of proper evidence handling and respect for due process as investigators continue to build the case./PN
