The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into the reported disappearance of firearms as part of the investigation into the death of an official of the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11).

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) acting director, Col. Mannan Muarip, visited the wake of Lt. Col. Deozar Almasa to extend sympathies to the bereaved family.

Almasa was found dead inside his quarters at Camp Quintin Merecido in Catitipan, Davao City, just minutes before PNP Chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., arrived in the city for his first command visit to PRO-11.

Almasa’s body was discovered after his colleagues noticed he was no longer responding to messages in their group chat about the coordinating preparations for the PNP chief’s visit.

Nartatez immediately ordered a thorough probe into Almasa’s death.

Based on information obtained by GMA Regional TV One Mindanao from a reliable source, hundreds of high-powered firearms had gone missing when Almasa was acting chief of the Regional Logistics and Research Development Division, based on inventory made before his death.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao tried to reach out to PRO-11 Director, Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete, to seek clarification but he was reportedly unavailable.

However, PNP spokesperson, Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, said in a press briefing at Camp Crame that investigators are looking into possible work-related concerns that may have distressed Almasa.

This includes an accounting report on firearms during his predecessor’s term that allegedly did not match the inventory when he became division chief.