PNP: 2 cops facing murder raps for fisher death in Agusan del Norte

The Philippine National Police on Friday said two cops have been slapped with murder complaint for allegedly shooting a 31-year-old fisherman to death in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

In a statement, the PNP identified the cops as Police Senior Master Sergeant Rizyl Torricer, and Patrolman Ariel Jay Panes, who are both assigned in the PNP Agusan del Norte Maritime unit.

After a heated confrontation with a group of fishermen, Torricer and Panes allegedly shot the victim identified as Ikiel Kintanar off the coast of Cabadbaran City during their seaborne patrol on July 10.

PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar assured that the police organization will not shield the two involved personnel.

“I assure everyone that the PNP leadership will not shield its personnel from facing charges against them,” Eleazar said.

Torricer and Panes are now under the custody of the Cabadbaran City Police Station, the PNP said.

Eleazar reminded PNP personnel to always observe maximum tolerance except when their lives are in danger.

“We always remind our men in the PNP to observe maximum tolerance and to use their weapon only at the most extreme of situations particularly if their lives are under threat,” he said. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News