Three suspects arrested after fatal San Enrique shooting

BACOLOD CITY — Police arrested three suspects allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of a man in Barangay Bagonawa, San Enrique, Negros Occidental, on Monday, Oct. 26, following a pursuit operation that led to their capture in Bago City hours after the incident.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) identified the victim only as alias “Elmor,” a resident of Barangay Baliwagan, San Enrique.

Initial investigation showed that the victim was riding a motorcycle without a license plate toward Sitio Banawang, Barangay Poblacion, San Enrique, when he was allegedly followed by unidentified individuals aboard a multipurpose vehicle (MPV) at around 3:45 p.m.

The assailants reportedly fired several shots at the victim, causing his immediate death.

Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said investigators had yet to establish the motive behind the killing and were exploring several possible angles.

Investigators reviewed available closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to determine the direction taken by the suspected getaway vehicle.

Police also coordinated with nearby stations to conduct dragnet operations and locate the fleeing suspects.

At around 6:20 p.m., personnel of the Bago City Police Station intercepted the suspected getaway vehicle in Purok Crossing La Carlota, Barangay Don Jorge Araneta, Bago City, resulting in the arrest of three suspects.

Police identified the suspects only as aliases “Chris,” the alleged driver of the vehicle, and “KM” and “Mar,” who were identified in the initial investigation as the alleged gunmen.

The operation resulted in the recovery of a semiautomatic rifle, a 9mm pistol and the vehicle believed to have been used in the shooting.

Malong said police also recovered an improvised smoking device, locally known as a “tooter,” from KM.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, PRO-NIR director, said the swift arrest of the three suspects demonstrated the police force’s commitment to pursuing those responsible for violent crimes and holding them accountable under the law.

He commended the operating units for their prompt response and effective coordination, which led to the suspects’ apprehension.

Reales said authorities would work to bring those responsible before the courts while ensuring that all evidence is properly handled and due process is observed.

He also vowed to pursue justice for the victim and ensure accountability for those responsible for the killing.