A Philippine Navy (PN) intelligence specialist who was found dead in Sto. Tomas, Batangas over the weekend was killed while working on a secret mission.
PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said the intelligence specialist, whose identity was withheld pending the results of investigation, was riddled with bullets when his body was discovered inside an abandoned vehicle along Maharlika Highway in Brgy. San Rafael last Friday.
The intelligence specialist was killed a day before his remains were discovered, according to Alcos.
“He died in line of duty. He was performing his duty as an intelligence specialist when that unfortunate incident happened,” Alcos said in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
The PN, however, did not give information on the particular mission as well as the possible motive for it may impede the ongoing investigation although it believes that the crime may be work-related.
“The whole Philippine Navy grieves with the family of the intelligence specialist. This is a testament that any sailor, marine and even airmen and infantrymen from the army and air force are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure peace and security wherever that may be in our archipelago,” he added.
The slain navy official had a rank of seaman and was assigned with the Naval Intelligence and Security Force.
Alcos said two suspects were already arrested by the police in a follow-up operation.
“We’re fully cooperative with the Philippine National Police on this. Any other details, we will update you once the investigation progresses on,” Alcos said.