A POLICE officer was shot dead along the national highway in Barangay Tapon Norte, San Jose, Negros Oriental on January 28.

The victim was identified as Police Executive Master Sergeant Roldan Dellosa Esmajer, 47, a bonafide member of the Philippine National Police, and a resident of Barangay Tapon Norte of the same place.

According to initial investigation, the police officer was shot and killed by motorcycle-riding assailants wearing jackets, and both wearing black helmets onboard a black Suzuki Raider motorcycle 150.

Esmajer was on his way to the San Jose police station onboard his Honda beat MC from his residence to report for duty.

Eyewitnesses told investigators that the suspects were onboard a motorcycle with a back rider who shot the victim thrice then fled south.

Victim sustained three gunshot wounds on his upper abdomen and right lateral chest area, and was rushed immediately to Silliman Medical Center for immediate medical attention.

No empty shells were recovered on the crime scene by the responding PNP personnel.

Victim was later pronounced dead at 7:45 p.m. the same day by Dr. Elie Paglinawan, resident physician.

Provincial police director Colonel Julian Entoma said they are looking into three possible angles for the police officer’s death: work-related (he has been actively involved in anti-illegal drugs operations), personal grudge, and insurgency-related.