The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday, Sept. 30, expressed grief over the shooting to death of one of its commissioned officers in Indang, Cavite.
Coast Guard Lt. Junior Grade (LTJG) Rando Val Siega, 31, was shot dead while he was at his father-in-law's house in Barangay Banaba Cerca last Sept. 26. He sustained mutiple gunshot wounds in the body.
The suspect was identified as Jerry Creus, the victim's brother-in-law.
"The men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) express their condolences to the bereaved loved ones of CG Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Rando Val Siega," the PCG said in a statement.
According to police, Siega was cooking food at the balcony of his in-law's house since his fellow Coast Guardians will come. However, an apparently drunk Creus barged in and shot the victim at close range. The suspect escaped but was arrested in a follow-up operation.
The motive behind the killing is under investigation but the Cavite police said the suspect had a grudge with the victim since they didn't get along well.
Their cold war only worsened when Siega married the suspect's sister, CG LTJG Khristelle Joyce Panganiban-Siega, a fellow Coast Guard commissioned officer, last Sept. 17 — nine days before he died.
The victim was last assigned onboard BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), one of the two brand new vessels of the PCG.
"Coast Guardians join CG LTJG Panganiban-Siega and her entire family in praying for justice and strength during this trying time. We salute you, CG LTJG Siega. Thank you for your selfless service to the Filipino nation," the PCG said.