PRO8 probes death of 2 cops in N. Samar anti-illegal logging ops
TACLOBAN City – A Regional Fact-Finding Committee has been created by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) to investigate the anti-illegal logging operation that resulted in an armed confrontation, and the death of two police officers in Barangay Buenavista, San Isidro, Northern Samar on September 26.
Pat Jessie Golondrina and Pat Fernando Velarde Jr., both assigned to the Second Maneuver Platoon, 803rd 803rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB 8), were killed in the encounter.
The slain PNP personnel were dispatched after receiving a phone call about the alleged illegal transport of forest products wherein a motorized pump boat marked as "Zurlyn 5" was caught in the act of hauling and towing undocumented forest products nearshore of Barangay Balite in San Isidro town.
While they were in the process of apprehending the motorboat, they had an unexpected encounter at sea with more or less six armed men on board another boat at around 10:40 p.m.
Meanwhile, Edwin Erenia, a resident of Brgy. Bondocan, Masbate and the operator of the motorboat, was also reportedly wounded in the crossfire.
The committee, together with the investigating team from the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO), was dispatched to conduct an in-depth investigation on the incident.
All personnel involved in the operation were relieved and reassigned to other units.
“With the creation of this probe team, I assure the public of an extensive and credible investigation on the matter. Rest assured that we will do our best to get to the truth,” PRO 9 Director Brig. Gen. Ronaldo De Jesus said.
The official also extended his condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families. He added that PRO8 was already facilitating the release of financial assistance for the burial services of the slain police officers.