Police declare Ampoyos killing solved, hunt suspects

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The Pontevedra Municipal Police Station has declared the killing of police Capt. Rian Ampoyos solved following the arrest of one suspect and the identification of two others.

Police Capt. Mark Anthony Garcia, the Pontevedra police chief, said the arrest of William Paulino Deocampo and the identification of his two alleged companions led to the filing of murder complaints with the Capiz Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

During a news briefing Tuesday afternoon, July 21, at the municipal police station, Garcia said investigators identified the two other suspects through backtracking and closed-circuit television footage from the establishment.

Deocampo, 38, a resident of Barangay Jolongajog in Pontevedra, was restrained by the KTV bar owner and male customers shortly after Ampoyos was shot.

Deocampo denied responsibility for Ampoyos’ death and identified a man known as Boy as the shooter.

Police said Deocampo’s statement was supported by CCTV footage and statements from bar owner Albert Fraira and a waiter.

Fraira initially identified Deocampo as the gunman because the area near their table was poorly lit.

He later retracted his identification after reviewing the CCTV footage.

Fraira clarified that Deocampo and Boy appeared to draw their firearms at the same time before several shots were fired.

Police are conducting a hot pursuit operation for Boy and another suspect known as Juan.

Ampoyos was shot while trying to pacify a commotion at a KTV restaurant and bar in Pontevedra late Sunday, July 19.

He 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, where he was declared dead on arrival.

He was a member of the 1st Capiz Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Ampoyos served as chief of the Dao Municipal Police Station from Oct. 10, 2024, to Jan. 30, 2026.

He was later assigned as platoon leader of the unit’s 3rd Platoon.

Aside from the murder complaints, Deocampo and the two other suspects face complaints for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Police said a .45-caliber pistol and live ammunition were recovered in connection with the case.

Deocampo is under hospital arrest at Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital.

Boy and Juan remain at large.

Garcia said police would release the CCTV footage to the public once courts issue arrest warrants for the three suspects.