Google map of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat
ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat – Police authorities here have launched a manhunt against a village watchman who shot dead a farmer in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.
Col. Tom Tuzon, Sultan Kudarat provincial police director, condemned the act of the village watchman, Ronnie Catroverde, who was a member of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) in Paitan village in the area.
“(The) BPAT members, as trained force multipliers and strong partners of the police in the maintenance of peace and order, are expected to adhere to the existing laws and display good behavior,” Tuzon said in a statement on Thursday.
“We condemn his act and he must be charged,” he added.
Lt. Col. Joel Fuerte, provincial police community affairs development unit chief, said the initial investigation showed that Catroverde shot Junmar Sarad, 44, farmer, also of Paitan village, after a heated argument at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Relatives rushed Sarad to the hospital where he died along the way while Catroverde fled with the .45-caliber pistol he used in the incident.
“Police found empty shells for cal. 45 pistol in front of the victim’s home, the crime scene,” Fuerte said.
The manhunt has been ongoing against Catroverdo, even as Tuzon appealed to the suspect to immediately surrender. (PNA)
