PJAMESTREMEDAL
Associate editor
A member of the 905th Provincial Mobile Group (PMG) assigned as a police investigator was shot, Tuesday, along with his companion while riding a motorcycle for work.
PO3 Dexter Dalena and a police asset identified as Ronald Edo were riding Dalena’s XR 200 motorcycle enroute to Camp Abelon when the incident happened.
Police said two assailants suddenly came out of nowhere and ambushed Dalena and Edo at the corner of Ariosa and V. Sagun streets, near the Sangguniang Panlungsod building.
Dalena was hit at the nape and chest and was taken to a nearby hospital while Edo suffered contusions in his cheek and nose bridge.
The policeman, accordingly, is now recuperating.
Police investigation disclosed that the suspects used a .45 caliber in shooting the two victims and casually walked away towards a waiting DT motorcycle then fled.
Meanwhile, PNP Provincial Director Ramon Ochotorena has ordered a manhunt against the two shooters whose identities were given by Edo who claimed to have positively identified their assailants.
Police Superintendent Nelson Eucogco told this paper that his office will also conduct a separate probe on Dalena’s shooting to determine whether the shooting had something to do with the various high profile cases the policeman is investigating.
Governor Aurora Cerilles the other day has denounced Dalena’s shooting.
Cerilles, in a statement relayed to this paper, said that she “was saddened by the attempt to silence Dalena who plays vital role in the drug buy-bust activities of the 905th PMG.”
The governor said she strongly believes the shooting was work-related as Dalena is active in the fight against illegal drugs and criminalities in the city.
“The incident has sent us a strong message that the evils of drugs are lurking just outside our doorsteps, waiting for the opportune time to harm our children,” she said.
“Drug traffickers will not stop spreading the menace in our society. They will do whatever it takes, even resorting to violence against law enforcers and anyone who gets in their way,” Cerilles continued.
To recall, Cerilles has initiated her no-nonsense war against drug traffickers and has received an all-out support from the police command headed by Provincial Director Ramon Ochotorena.
As of Monday, joint elements started their drive against illegal drugs and scored right away with the capture of Ivanhoe “Bobby” Bana and the arrest of a drug-dealing couple based in Dalapang, Labangan.
“Let us be one in the fight against illegal drugs and any other form of criminalities,” Cerilles urged her constituents, telling them further “to be more vigilant” and “cooperate by reporting to authorities all unusual activities in their neighborhood.” WITH REPORTS FROM REMAI ALEJADO, Zambosur PPB