DAGUPAN CITY -- The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) arrested during a hot-pursuit operation two suspects who allegedly shot to death a boatman at Sitio Calmay Ilokano, Brgy. Calmay in this city on Sunday, August 7.
Police Colonel Richmond Tadina, chief of the PPPO, identified the suspects as Alvaro Queleza Jr, 20, and Alberto Queleza, 21, both fishpen caretakers, and residents of Sitio Calmay Ilokano, Brgy. Calmay, Dagupan City.
The two suspects who are cousins are now in the custody of Dagupan City Police under its chief, Lt. Col. Romil Avenido.
The victim was identified as Jimboy Ragasa, 29, who, based on the investigation, was allegedly shot several times in his house by the suspects.
Ragasa sustained three gunshot wounds on his head and body and was declared dead on arrival at Region 1 Medical Center, Dagupan City.
Authorities found three fired cartridge cases of cal. 45 at the crime scene.
According to the police, prior to the shooting, the victim allegedly threatened to kill the suspects, prompting the duo (suspects) to get their firearms and went to the house of the victim and shot him several times.
The Dagupan City Police, where the victim’s family first reported the incident, immediately held a case conference with the Provincial Intelligence Unit under Police Lt. Col. Benjamin Zarate Jr. before proceeding to the crime scene.
The joint police personnel then conducted a hot pursuit operation which resulted in the arrest of the two Quelezas in their makeshift hut in Pantal river, Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City.
The pursuing police confiscated from them the weapon described as Armscor Cal..45 pistol, with an inserted magazine loaded with seven ammunition, and another magazine containing six ammunition.