Negros cop who killed civilian surrenders

By Felipe V. Celino and Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

A police officer from Negros Occidental who shot dead a civilian Saturday afternoon at Barangay Sagrada Familia in Dumarao, Capiz voluntarily surrendered to the police on Sunday.

Patrolman Mamerto Arellano turned himself in to Dumarao police hours after he shot dead Renato Pampag, 43.

The incident happened while Arellano was walking with his nephew.

Pampag allegedly blocked their way which led to an argument. The victim later tried to hack the cop who was forced to shoot the former.

Land dispute is believed to have triggered the incident.

Arellano is an active member of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (Nocpmfc).

Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) here will conduct a parallel investigation on Arellano’s involvement in the shooting.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Nazer Canja, head of the 1st Nocpmfc, they were already informed about the incident.

Canja, who is also assigned as the deputy provincial director for operations of Nocppo, said the provincial police headquarters will have its own separate investigation, although the incident did not happen in the province.

He has yet to further elaborate or discuss their move or steps while they are waiting for the progress of the investigation.