DAVAO CITY – A jealous policeman allegedly gunned down his female companion during a drinking spree in Barangay Indangan, this city, before dawn on Wednesday, August 7.
Police Capt. Hazel Tuazon, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson, identified the suspect as Police Patrolman Alvin John Tayamin, a resident of Kidapawan City, North Cotabato assigned to the Mandug Police Station of the DCPO.
Tuazon, speaking during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao here, said Tayamin got jealous of the victim, Justine May Villaroja, triggering a heated altercation where he shot the victim in the face with his service firearm.
She said the suspect voluntarily surrendered himself to the police.
Tuazon assured the victim’s family that the DCPO would hold the suspect liable. She said the suspect may be charged with murder.
“Among ipaniguro sa pamilya sa biktima nga dili namo dapigan ang member sa DCPO kung kini makasala. Dili gina tolerate ingon nga nga actions (We would like to assure the family of the victim that we would not side with any member of DCPO if he commits any crime. We do not tolerate such actions),” she said.
Villaroja’s body was taken to the Rivera Funeral Homes here.
Police Col. Hansel M. Marantan, acting DCPO director, ordered a comprehensive investigation of the incident to ensure that appropriate charges are filed against the suspect.
“I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident where a police officer resorted to using his firearm against a civilian. I extend my heartfelt apologies to the victim’s family for this tragic event,” Marantan said.
He said Tayamin has been restricted to camp pending a thorough investigation.
“While I am prepared to take full responsibility if this incident is found to be connected to the official duties of our personnel, initial indications suggest a personal matter was involved. However, this in no way justifies the loss of a civilian life,” he added.