Cop shot dead in Capiz KTV bar

A policeman was killed when he tried to intervene in a fight inside a KTV bar at the town of Pontevedra in Capiz on the early morning of Monday.

Investigation by the Pontevedra Police showed that the cop, P/Capt. Rian Ampoyos, went to the bar with two other police officers reportedly to eat when an argument ensued among other customers at the second floor.

The owner of the bar sought the policemen's help and when Ampoyos checked what was happening, the suspect pulled a gun and shot him in the chest.

“Humingi ng tulong ang may-ari ng KTV bar kay Police Capt. Ampoyos at sa dalawa niyang kasamahan. Tumayo na siya, mag-verify sana at mag-pacify. Ang isa sa mga suspect, merong baril, bumunot ito ng baril at without apparent reason, binaril ang biktima,” said Capt. Mark Anthony Garcia, chief of the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station.

(The KTV bar owner asked Capt. Ampoyos and his two companions for help. He stood to verify and pacify. One of the suspects pulled out a gun and for no apparent reason shot him.)

The suspect, identified only as William, 38, was arrested immediately but his two companions managed to escape.

Recovered from the suspect was a .45 caliber pistol he used in shooting Ampoyos.

The suspect is facing charges for homicide and another possible charge of illegal possession of firearms.

Ampoyos was brought to the hospital but he did not make it there alive.

The incident also prompted the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 to recommend the relief of the chief of the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station.

This is because of the station’s alleged failure to implement the so-called “Oplan Bakal,” the campaign of the Philippine National Police against loose firearms, deadly weapons, and explosives.

Under PNP rules, policemen are not allowed to enter bars but Ampoyos was reportedly at the bar to look into the owner’s concerns about trouble in the area.

But PRO-6 said the owner should have spoken with the municipal police.

Ampoyos was the platoon leader of the 3rd Platoon of the First Provincial Mobile Force Company.

“Yung administrative relief ng kanila pong chief of police, dahil for failure po to conduct Oplan Bakal. Sapagkat lehitimo ang kanilang pinag-uusapan about peace and order, dapat po ang nakipag-usap dito ang local na police station,” said BGen. Randulf Tuaño, Director of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6. —John Sala, GMA Regional TV News