Cop eyed as suspect in ambush of Negros Occidental police officer

 

A policeman was killed in an ambush in E.B. Magalona town in Negros Occidental province Wednesday night and a fellow policeman has been linked to the crime.

 

SPO4 Roger Cañete was heading home on his owner-type jeep when two motorcycle-riding gunmen shot him, GMA Bacolod's Erwin Nicavera reported on "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon."

 

Cañete died from gunshot wounds to the head and body. Shells recovered from the crime scene suggest he was shot with an M-16 rifle.

 

The victim served as executive senior police officer at the Silay City police station. Police believe he was killed because of his active role in anti-drug operations.

 

"Trusted siya ng hepe ng Silay City police. Lately, talagang aktibo sila sa mga anti-illegal drug operations sa Silay, baka ito ang dahilan," said town police head S/Insp. Conrado Rances.

 

The report said witnesses linked an informant and PO2 Reynaldo Bernel to the crime. Both denied the accusations.

 

"Napakasakit, parang tiyuhin ko na siya, as in close talaga kami. Never, in a million... wala akong intensyon na patayin siya kasi napakataas ng respeto ko sa kanya," said Bernel. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News