Digos Police Chief scrutinized as investigation into Kap Bucol fatal shooting continues

· The acting police chief of Digos City has been named a Person of Interest (POI) in the fatal shooting of Barangay Captain Oscar Bucol Jr

· The chief was immediately relieved from his post to ensure an impartial investigation, as he had previous public disputes with the victim

· Twenty police officers from the station have been subjected to paraffin tests as part of the ongoing probe

· A P2 million reward, backed by VP Sara Duterte and Gov. Yvonne Cagas, has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the gunmen

The investigation into the high-profile assassination of a barangay captain, who was shot while broadcasting live on Facebook, has taken a stunning turn with the identification of the Acting Chief of the Digos City Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Peter Glenn Ipong, as a Person of Interest (POI).

Read also

Shootout in Alabang: MMDA enforcer and driver suffer injuries in confrontation over colorum van

The development has sent shockwaves through the local community and the regional law enforcement hierarchy.

Barangay Captain Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr. of Tres de Mayo was publicly critical of various figures in his community, including the now-relieved police chief, during his often-fiery live streams.

The police chief’s name emerged early in the probe due to these documented public disputes with the victim.

To ensure the integrity and impartiality of the investigation, Police Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete, the Director of the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO11), immediately ordered the administrative relief of Police Lt. Col. Ipong from his post.

In a demonstration of the seriousness of the case, PRO11 Director Rosete personally visited the victim’s residence to conduct an ocular inspection, reviewing the crime scene, and validating initial findings.

He also visited the wake of the slain barangay chairman to offer condolences and speak directly with the victim's father.

Rosete mandated the Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office, under the leadership of Police Colonel Leo T. Ajero, to conduct a "thorough and comprehensive probe."

Read also

BOC finds high-grade pot inside blind box toys at the Port of Clark

The complexity of the case is such that the investigation may require an extensive duration, ranging from one to six months.

Investigators are meticulously reviewing available CCTV footage, which captured a vehicle suspected of being used by the perpetrators immediately following the shooting of Bucol.

Furthermore, as part of the rigorous internal investigation, 20 police officers within the Digos City station have been subjected to paraffin tests to rule out their direct involvement in the gunfire.

Recognizing the gravity of a case where a top police official is implicated, the grieving family of the victim has formally requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a parallel, independent investigation.

This move reflects the family’s need for an unbiased review, given the internal conflicts involved.

Meanwhile, the local government and national officials are actively pushing for the swift capture of the actual gunmen.

A substantial reward of P2 million has been offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Bucol’s death, with funds contributed by Vice President Sara Duterte and Governor Yvonne Cagas.

Read also

P2M reward against suspects of slain barangay captain - authorities

The reward reflects the commitment to achieving justice in this shocking case that exposes the perilous environment faced by local officials and the internal complexities within the police force itself.

In other news, a correctional facility employee was detained at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) for trying to introduce prohibited narcotics into the institution. The illegal drug, believed to be methamphetamine (shabu), was creatively concealed both within and under traditional Filipino bread rolls called pandesal. Following the staff member's capture, investigators located 33 packets of the same suspected contraband in the possession of an inmate she regularly visited. The arrested officer will be processed for immediate termination by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and will face charges related to the Dangerous Drug5 Act.

Still in other news, a tragic road crash in Camalig, Albay, involving a UV Express van and a truck resulted in the deaths of eleven passengers, with only two individuals emerging alive. The wreckage, submerged after both vehicles plunged into a ravine, necessitated a laborious eight-hour effort for emergency personnel to retrieve the victims. Police preliminary reports suggest that the truck's brakes malfunctioned while it was moving quickly, leading directly to the fatal impact with the passenger van. The driver of the truck and his assistant were among the few who survived the catastrophe and are receiving medical attention in a hospital.

Source: KAMI.com.gh