Pontevedra police chief relieved after Ampoyos killing

By Felipe V. Celino

PONTEVEDRA, Capiz — Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, director of Police Regional Office 6, confirmed the administrative relief of Capt. Mark Anthony Garcia following the killing of Capt. Rian Ampoyos at a KTV bar in Pontevedra.

Garcia served as chief of the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station and concurrent commander of the 1st Capiz Provincial Mobile Force Company.

The relief order took effect Monday, July 27, to prevent Garcia from influencing the continuing investigation, Tuaño said.

Tuaño said Garcia was relieved under the principle of command responsibility for the alleged failure to implement security measures, including Oplan Bakal, that could have prevented the shooting.

Investigators said Ampoyos and two other police officers were invited by the bar owner to an early dinner at the establishment in Barangay Binuntucan.

The officers, who were off duty, were discussing the local peace and order situation when the shooting occurred, police said.

“The administrative relief simply shows how serious the PRO-6 pertains to accountability inside the police organization,” Tuaño said.

Tuaño added that police personnel must be held accountable for security lapses regardless of rank.

Ampoyos was shot while attempting to pacify a commotion at the KTV restaurant and bar late Sunday, July 19.

He suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest.

Ampoyos, a member of the 1st Capiz Provincial Mobile Force Company and a resident of Barangay Swa in President Roxas, was taken to Bailan District Hospital.

An attending physician declared him dead on arrival.

One of the suspects, William Deocampo, was placed under hospital arrest after the bar owner and several customers allegedly beat him following the shooting.

Police declared the case solved after murder and illegal firearm possession complaints were filed against Deocampo and two other suspects who remained at large.