Puerto Princesa, Palawan – Tragedy struck on the solemn evening of Good Friday, April 3, when two police officers and a Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) worker were fatally shot in Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City.
The incident, which occurred around 9:40 p.m., has shocked the community and prompted local authorities to launch a swift and intensive investigation.
The victims have been identified as Police Staff Sergeants Ryan Cris Cabaña and Jayson Fernandez, both assigned to Police Station 2 (PS-2) of the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO), and Jerson Ojario Talon, an employee of BuCor.
According to initial reports from residents who were attending a wake in the vicinity, the tragic events began with a confrontation between the two police officers and several bystanders.
Although the officers reportedly left the scene after the initial altercation, they later returned with backup. This second encounter unfortunately escalated into a violent exchange of gunfire, resulting in the deaths of the three individuals. The exact circumstances leading to the escalation and the identities of the suspects are currently the focus of a major investigation.
In response to the killings, the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) Director, Police Colonel Cristine Tabdi, has ordered a comprehensive investigation and launched a manhunt operation to apprehend those responsible.
She has directed the commander of Police Station 2, Police Major Ray Aron Elona, to spearhead the case buildup and intensify operational efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
To ensure a focused and thorough inquiry, a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) has been formed specifically to handle this high-profile case. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may assist the authorities in their investigation.
