LEGAZPI CITY – A police officer and his brother were arrested after allegedly killing a village councilman and an Indian national.
In a report on Saturday, the suspects were identified as Corporal Bryan Aguilar of Barangay Maporong, a crime investigator assigned at the Polangui town police station, and Raymond Isaac Salanga, 23, of Barangay Mendez, also in Polangui.
Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol), said the victims were Marlon Rebusquillo, 43, a councilman of Barangay Maporong, and Parmindes Singh, an Indian national, of Barangay Gabon, Polangui.
They were allegedly gunned down by Aguilar along a road in Oas, Albay on Friday morning.
Later in the day, Aguilar returned to the crime scene where he was arrested while Salanga was taken from his residence.
According to the police report, the suspects and Singh, whom they abducted, were negotiating a road in Barangay Maporong at about 9 a.m. on Friday when their car, driven by Aguilar, lost control and fell on a rice field.
Rebusquillo and a companion chanced upon the accident and were approaching the car when they were fired at by Aguilar.
The Indian national was also shot by the police officer, according to Rebusquillo’s companion who was unscathed.
Aguilar and his brother fled using Rebusquillo’s motorcycle.
The suspects are facing double murder charges.
In a statement on Saturday, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO-5, assured justice for the victims.
“We shall not be lenient on this issue. We will file appropriate criminal and administrative charges against the suspect and ensure that justice is served. We do not have any room for this kind of police in our ranks," Estomo stated.
He also reminded members of the PRO-5 to be worthy government workers.
“Muli kong pinapaalalahan ang lahat na kapulisan ng Bicol. Bilang mga tagahatid ng serbisyo publiko sa ating mga kababayan, malaki ang ating ginagampanang responsabilidad upang gawing ligtas ang bawat mamamayan ng Bicol (I'm reminding all members of the Bicol police. As public servants, we have a big responsibility to make Bicolanos safe)," Estomo said. “Panindigan natin ang ating sinumpaang tungkulin na tapat na serbisyo ang ating iaalay sa ating mga kababayan. Huwag nating hayaang masangkot sa mga maling gawain. Walang puwang ang mga kawatan sa organisasyong ito (We must abide by our oath to give honest service. Let us not be involved in wrongdoings that have no place in our organization).” (PNA)
