By Alec Go
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba condemned the killing of Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and his five companions in an ambush in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya on Sunday, Feb. 19.
Abalos said in a statement that the Police Regional Office’s Special Investigation Task Force is investigating the case and to find the perpetrators behind the crime.
“Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit ang insidenteng ito. Tila nagiging garapal na ang mga kriminal na ito at wala ng pag-aatubili sa pagsasagawa ng kanilang masamang gawain. Hindi natin papayagang magpatuloy ang mga ganitong uri ng krimen at mamayani ang kasamaan,” he said.
“Pinasisiyasat din po namin ang mga ulat na sinasabing mga pulis o nakauniporme ng pulis ang mga suspek,” he continued, adding that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been tapped to review the process in issuing weapons.
The PNP will also look into possible stricter policies on the issuance of license to own firearms and permits to carry firearms outside of residence, as well as intensified patrolling and Oplan Katok to seize unlicensed firearms.
“Inuutos ko rin ang mahigpit na ipatupad ang mga polisiya sa iligal na pagbebenta at paggamit ng police uniforms. Walang dapat magbenta ng police uniforms kundi ang mga accredited suppliers lamang at walang dapat mag-uniporme ng pulis kundi pulis lamang,” Abalos said.
The DILG chief appealed to the public to report to authorities any information that can aid the investigation.
In a separate statement, Mamba mourned the death of the official and his companions, as he made a similar appeal to those who have any information and evidence on the case.
“Alam niyo naman po ang numero ko, iyong I-text mo kay Gob. Hotline kung meron man po kayong impormasyon na nalalaman tungkol dito lalo na kung sino ang mga involved para mabigyan po natin sila ng hustisya,” he said.
Mamba earlier extended sympathies to the victims’ families as he condemned the ambush.
“We condemn this cowardly and dastardly act done against Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and his five companions all from Aparri,” he said.
“He is loved and respected by his constituents in Aparri since serving as a three termer Sanggunian Bayan and on his 2nd term as Municipal Vice Mayor, a Nacionalista Party member of good standing, charismatic young leader and promising politician,” he added. – gb
