Cop gunned down in South Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): Cop gunned down in South Cotabato

Police have launched a deeper investigation into the daring killing on Tuesday afternoon of a police officer in Tupi town in South Cotabato.

Senior Supt. Nestor Salcedo, South Cotabato police director, said Wednesday Senior Police Officer 4 Benedicto Gonzaga was on his way home to nearby Polomolok town aboard his motorcycle at around 2:15 p.m. when ambushed by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen.

He said the victim just came from duty at the Tupi municipal police station when the incident happened at a portion of the national highway in Purok Sta. Lucia, Barangay Poblacion.

The 54 year-old Gonzaga was hit on the head and neck and, was declared dead upon arrival at the Roel I. Senador Memorial Hospital, he said.

Citing accounts from witnesses, the police official said two suspects aboard a blue Skygo motorcycle were seen trailing the victim and later overtook Gonzaga upon reaching Purok Sta. Lucia and shot him several times.

Salcedo said he ordered their investigators to look into all possible angles and focus on the immediate identification of the suspects.

"He is a big loss to us. We will do everything to bring all those responsible to justice," the police official said.

Chief Insp. Bernie Faldas, Tupi police chief, said Gonzaga decided to go home to change his uniform as required for a scheduled pictorial.

He said the victim was already processing his retirement from service.

Gonzaga, who was team leader of the patrol team, was not armed during the attack as he turned over his service firearm to colleague before he left the station, he said.

Faldas said they are currently gathering testimonies from witnesses and other information to determine the possible motive and identity of the suspects.

He said the victim had not confided any threat on his life prior to the incident.

"We we're shocked and surprised because he was a good person and had no known enemies," he said.

Tupi Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. condemned the incident and directed police investigators to exert all efforts to resolve the case the soonest possible time.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1030319