Capiz police officer killed in KTV bar shooting

By Jennifer P. Rendon and Felipe V. Celino

A police officer was killed after he was shot while trying to pacify a commotion at a KTV restaurant-bar in Pontevedra, Capiz, late Sunday, July 19.

Police Capt. Rian Fuentes Ampoyos, a member of the 1st Capiz Provincial Mobile Force Company, suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest.

Ampoyos, a resident of Barangay Swa in President Roxas, Capiz, was taken to Bailan District Hospital in Pontevedra but was declared dead on arrival.

Police reports gave conflicting accounts of his age, listing him as either 48 or 49.

Contrary to earlier reports, Ampoyos and two other police officers, a corporal and a staff sergeant, did not respond to the establishment following a report of a disturbance.

They were already at the KTV bar in Barangay Binuntucan when a commotion erupted involving some customers and an employee.

Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, director of Police Regional Office 6, said the bar owner, businessman Albert Fraira, had invited the police corporal to dinner earlier that day.

The corporal went to the establishment with Ampoyos and the staff sergeant at about 4:30 p.m.

Their dinner lasted several hours as they discussed peace and order concerns with the bar owner, police said.

“The KTV owner apparently asked for help about the presence of armed men in the area,” Tuaño said.

Authorities have yet to determine why the owner sought help from the provincial mobile force instead of reporting the matter to the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station.

Tuaño said investigators would also verify whether Ampoyos and his companions had consumed alcohol before the shooting.

Closed-circuit television footage showed a commotion involving customers and an employee of the establishment.

The officers were asked to intervene and pacify those involved.

Police said one of the suspects drew a handgun and fired at Ampoyos after the officer admonished the group.

A waiter told investigators that he saw one of three men who had been drinking at a nearby table stand, draw a firearm and shoot Ampoyos, who was seated at another table.

Ampoyos’ colleagues and several customers immediately responded and arrested one of the suspects, while two others fled.

Police identified the arrested suspect as William Paulino Deocampo, 38, of Barangay Jolongajog, Pontevedra.

Officers recovered a .45-caliber pistol, a magazine containing one round of ammunition and an extra magazine containing five rounds from his possession.

Police said another magazine containing six rounds was found when Deocampo was searched at the police station.

Deocampo was later taken to a hospital in critical condition after he was allegedly mauled by Ampoyos’ colleagues and the bar owner.

The alleged assault is also expected to form part of the investigation.

Members of the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station launched a hot pursuit operation against the two other suspects but failed to arrest them.

Police also recovered two motorcycles allegedly owned by the suspects.

A Euro 150 motorcycle was recovered from Deocampo’s house in Sitio Buta, Barangay Jolongajog, while a green motorcycle allegedly abandoned by the two fleeing suspects was found at the KTV bar.

Tuaño directed Col. Jerome Afuyog, PRO 6 chief of staff, and Col. Kim Legada, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The investigation will also examine why the three police officers were inside the KTV bar and whether their presence was connected to official police work.

Tuaño said police officers should not have been at the establishment unless they were conducting official business.

Col. David Cachumbo, Capiz police director, said Police Capt. Mark Anthony Garcia, chief of the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station, would be administratively relieved from his post.

Garcia will be investigated for his alleged failure to conduct Oplan Bakal, a police operation involving inspections for loose firearms and other weapons in public establishments, within his area of responsibility.

Garcia earlier said Ampoyos and his two colleagues were in civilian clothes when they attended the dinner hosted by Fraira.

Police placed the shooting at about 11:30 p.m.

Ampoyos previously served as chief of the Dao Municipal Police Station before he was assigned to the provincial mobile force.

His family described him as soft-spoken and a good person.

Barangay Jolongajog Punong Barangay Ramon Dunton also said Ampoyos had a good standing in the community.

Dunton said there were reports that Deocampo had been involved in a robbery in Barangay Lawaan, Roxas City, although police had not confirmed whether the allegation was connected to the shooting.

Investigators have yet to establish the motive for the attack.

PRO 6 expressed its condolences to Ampoyos’ family, loved ones and fellow police officers.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, loved ones, and fellow police officers mourning this painful loss. We assure them that the Philippine National Police will conduct a thorough, impartial, and lawful investigation to ensure that justice is served.

“One individual is currently under police custody in connection with the incident, while follow-up operations are ongoing to identify and locate other persons who may have participated. We encourage anyone with information that may aid the investigation to coordinate with the nearest police station.

“We likewise appeal to the public to remain calm and allow the justice system to take its course. We assure the public that the Philippine National Police is taking all necessary investigative and operational measures to ensure that the incident is thoroughly investigated and that all those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.

“This tragic incident likewise reminds all PNP personnel of the continuing responsibility that comes with the badge. Every police officer is expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism and discipline, and demonstrate restraint in every situation. These enduring values strengthen public trust and uphold the honor, integrity, and credibility of the Philippine National Police.

“Violence has no place in our communities and often results in irreversible loss and suffering. Conflicts should always be resolved peacefully, with restraint, respect for the law, and regard for the safety of everyone involved.

“Police Regional Office 6 remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the public, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.”