AMBUSH. A police investigator checks the vehicle of Major Rafael Tangonan, who was killed in an ambush in Barangay Libertad in Abulug town, Cagayan province on Monday night (Nov. 7, 2022). Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has ordered a manhunt against the suspects. (Photo courtesy of Cagayan Police Provincial Office)
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., on Tuesday ordered a manhunt against the suspects in the killing of a police officer in Cagayan province on Monday night.
“I trust that Police Regional Office (PRO) 2 (Cagayan Valley) thru Abulug Police Station is now seriously engaged in extensive investigation and follow-up operations to identify and immediately arrest the gunmen who killed Major Rafael Tangonan who was assigned in the Regional Finance Service Office 2. I am reiterating my directive to conduct a thorough manhunt to apprehend the suspect/s,” Azurin said in a statement.
Reports said the victim was driving his white Toyota Hilux with plate number ACA-228 when two men riding in a brown Toyota Innova suddenly pulled up beside him and shot Tangonan on Monday night at Barangay Libertad in Abulug town.
The unidentified suspects fled after the incident.
Azurin also expressed hope that the case will be immediately resolved through the help of technology, citing leads obtained from digital pieces of evidence from closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage that may have captured the movement of the suspects before, during, and after the shooting.
“While these police actions unfold, the PNP is extending all possible assistance to the family of Major Tangonan including administrative processes required for the immediate release of benefits and other financial claims. This case will not go unsolved, punishment is certain to those responsible for this heinous crime,” said Azurin. (PNA)
