(Photo courtesy of Lamitan CPS Facebook)
MANILA – Interior Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. on Friday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to tighten security in Lamitan City, Basilan province following the slaying of retired policeman Rolando Yumol, father of the principal suspect in the Ateneo shooting incident last Sunday.
“I have ordered the PNP to tighten existing checkpoints in Lamitan City, including its borders to prevent the culprits in the Yumol slaying from escaping,” Abalos said.
The DILG secretary assured the public that the PNP is on top of the situation and all police units in Basilan have been directed to maintain peace and order in the island province.
Rolando Yumol was the father of Dr. Chao-Tiao Yumol, who is facing multiple murder for fatally shooting former Lamitan City mayor Rose Furigay; her executive assistant, Victor Capistrano; and Ateneo security guard Jeneven Bandiala.
“Ronaldo Yumol’s case is still being investigated and we will wait for the results of the investigation. So I ask the public to refrain from making assumptions about the case,” said Abalos.
The elder Yumol was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside his residence in Lamitan, Basilan on Friday morning, the PNP reported.
Police reports said Yumol was outside his home when two unknown suspects approached the victim and shot him several times.
Elements of the PNP - Special Action Force (SAF) and the Lamitan City Police Station were immediately dispatched to the crime scene.
Yumol, a retired police master sergeant, was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctor at the Lamitan District Hospital.
Three empty shells from a caliber .45 pistol were recovered from the crime scene.
“I call on the public to cooperate with police investigators. If anyone has any information that may help the PNP solve the case, I ask you to please come forward,” said Abalos. (PR)
