Caraga police condemns slay of cop allegedly by NPA rebels

A cop was allegedly killed at the hands of suspected New People's Army members in Barangay Matinao in Mainit, Surigao del Norte, according to the Caraga police on Wednesday. 

Caraga police chief Police Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel Jr. condemned the slay of Police Staff Sergeant Restie Dandan, who was allegedly kidnapped by the communists last July 31 in Barangay San Isidro in Sison town. 

Esquivel said Dandan was traveling to Sison Municipal Police Station when he was abducted by the rebels. 

"This dastardly and barbaric act proved that the CPP-NPA terrorists never uphold the rule of law and are just good in disguising as protectors of the people,” Esquivel said in a press release. 

The cop was found dead on August 18, more than two weeks after he was allegedly kidnapped by the group. 

Police said he had sustained gunshot wounds in various parts of his body. 

Esquivel said Dandan was a humble and hardworking policeman. 

"Even in his previous assignments or in the community where he is residing, he did not have a derogatory record,” Esquivel said. 

"The death of Dandan widowed his wife and orphaned his son and two daughters. We share the grief of his family, relatives, workmates and friends over the loss of a good law enforcer, husband and father. At all cost we will ensure that justice will be served soon," he added. 

Security forces are now conducting joint operations to catch the perpetrators of the crime. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News