A POLICEMAN was shot dead by three unidentified men on board a vehicle at Virto Street, Barangay 2, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental Tuesday evening.
The fatality was identified as Police Officer 2 John Gallenero Jr., 32, an intelligence officer of La Carlota City Police Station.
Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Noppo), said the victim was standing on Virto Street at around 7 p.m. when he was shot several times.
Gallenero sustained multiple wounds and was rushed to the La Carlota City hospital where he was declared “dead on arrival.”
Police recovered from the scene of the crime several spent shells of M-16 rifle.
Lirazan said he believes that Gallenero’s death is a job-related.
Before the incident, the victim has several accomplishments in the campaign against illegal drugs in the city, he added.
Gallenero is a good person and he is dedicated to his work as a police officer, Lirazan said.
The Noppo director ordered Supt. Orly Gabinete, chief of La Carlota police, to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Lirazan said he believes the policeman’s murder was well-planned and the suspects were gun-for-hire.
He said the Philippine National Police will give assistance to the Gallenero family.
The Noppo director also reminded all policemen to be always on alert.*