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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider 2 cops shot dead in Albay; suspects fall in hot pursuit

2 cops shot dead in Albay; suspects fall in hot pursuit

Published Jul 10, 2023 05:19 am
CAMP OLA, Albay – Two policemen were gunned down by a former soldier and his companion in Oas, Albay on Sunday night, July 9. Police Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-5 spokesperson, identified the victims as Police Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Ostonal, 43, of Ligao City, Albay, and Police Corporal Jeffrey Refereza, 35, of Libon, Albay, both assigned to the Oas Municipal Police Station.
OSTONAL Initial investigation disclosed that Ostonal and Refereza were patrolling Barangay Ilaor Sur at 11:49 p.m. when the suspects, Fernan Regala Jardinel, 37, an AWOL (Absent without Leave) member of the Army 65th Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division in Marawi City, and Richard Bonaobra, 35, both residents of Nabua, Camarines Sur, shot the victims without any reason, killing them on the spot. Suspects fled towards Polangui, Albay on board a motorcycle and the Oas police immediately conducted a hot-pursuit operation with the Polangui MPS and other nearby police stations. Jardinel and Bonaobra were apprehended in Centro Poblacion, Polangui in a chokepoint established by lawmen. “Recovered from the suspects were a Taurus 1911 caliber .45 pistol with Serial No. 389736 and the motorcycles used in the crime. Refereza's service firearm was found at the crime scene, while Ostonal's service firearm was missing," Calubaquib said.
REFEREZA Police Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque, PRO-5 director, has ordered a thorough investigation of the incident to determine the motives and recent affiliations of the suspects. Obinque has condoled with the families of the victims who were described as dedicated members of the Oas MPS committed to serving and protecting their community. “PRO-5 extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, who are now grappling with the untimely loss of their loved ones,” he said. “This heinous attack is unequivocally condemned, and we stand united in our determination to ensure that justice is served. The men and women of PRO-5 are profoundly saddened and angered by this incident, as it undermines the very purpose of their service, which is to uphold peace and security in the community. We share in the grief of the families and will support them through this difficult time in every way possible," added Obinque. Obinque reminded his men about the importance of implementing heightened safety protocols in all police operations and urged all police commanders to take extra precautions during their activities. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda also condoled with the family of Ostonal who served as his security officer.

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Shooting Albay Policemen Oas Crime
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