Police have arrested the cop linked to the killing of a 19-year-old fisherman in General Santos City.

Authorities said the suspect, who was assigned in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, was arrested in Kidapawan City through a hot pursuit operation.

Investigators said the victim and the suspect were drinking with their respective groups when the two figured in a heated argument.

“May heated argument sila while they are .. nag-inuman. yon na nga humantong sa pagsigawan. maya-maya binaril niya angh 19years old. Ngayon instead na i submit ang self niya...tumakas sa pagmadali niya naiwan ang baril niya sa bahay,” General Santos City Police Office Director, Colonel Nicomedes Olaivar Jr. said.

The victim sustained six gunshot wounds. Six empty shells of 9mm caliber pistol were also recovered at the crime scene.

The recovered empty shells and the suspect’s gun confiscated at his house will undergo ballistic and cross-matching examinations.

The victim’s family wants the suspect to pay and have him dismissed from the police service.

“Gusto naming magpabayad at ipatanggal namin siya sa serbisyo. Mahirap lang kami. Hirap na hirap kami dito maliaki nag babayarin namin. Hindi pa kami na-discharge sa punerarya wala kaming pambayad,” the victim’s mother said.

The suspect is now detained while authorities are preparing the charges to be filed against him.

“Murder or homicide nasa pasya ng piskalya pag evaluate ng ating sinasampang kaso, documentation at ebidensya. kung anong probable cause na Nakita,” Olaivar said.

Police Regional Office-12 Director, Brigadier General Jimili Macaraeg, said the arrest of the police officer is ‘a crucial step towards justice.’

“Let me be unequivocally clear: such behavior by a member of law enforcement is utterly unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said.

“Let this serve as a reminder to all law enforcement officers that we are held to a higher standard, and we must always strive to uphold the values of service with humility, enthusiasm, aspirations, respect, and timely and appropriate response for human life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Marvin Bahian during this difficult time, and we will do everything in our power to seek justice for him and his loved ones,” he added.