A police officer turned himself in while a civilian was arrested in line with the killing of a police corporal in Barangay Tikwas, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur on July 1, 2026.
The 36-year-old police corporal assigned to the 2nd Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company was shot dead afternoon on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Based on investigation, the victim was traveling from Pagadian City when he was followed by motorcycle-riding suspects. Upon reaching the place of incident, the suspects allegedly overtook him, and the suspect riding in pillion shot the victim.
The suspects allegedly took a large amount of money carried by the victim, including the firearm issued to him, before fleeing the scene.
The next day, a police staff sergeant assigned to the Margosatubig Municipal Police Station surrendered on Thursday, July 2, after circumstantial and corroborative evidence revealed his possible involvement.
According to the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO), the policeman reportedly admitted his participation, claiming that he served as the driver of the motorcycle used during the incident.
He also identified his companion who shot the victim.
He then turned over his issued service firearm and the motorcycle they used in the commission of the crime.
Later in the evening, the alleged gunman was arrested at his residence in Barangay Poblacion, Margosatubig.
The operating team recovered the victim’s PNP-issued 9mm pistol from the suspect.
Both suspects are now detained and will face criminal charges.
ZSPPO lauded investigators for the intensified investigation, extensive CCTV backtracking, and hot pursuit operation, and coordination among police intelligence units, which led to the surrender and the arrest of the suspects.
ZSPPO also said the involvement of a police officer in the incident is a “grave betrayal of our oath and public trust.”
The police officer involved will also face administrative charges.
“The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office maintains zero tolerance for any personnel involved in unlawful acts,” ZSPPO said.
