A 39-YEAR-OLD police officer was shot and killed in Catubig, Northern Samar Monday morning, January 10, 2022.

Authorities identified the victim as Staff Sergeant Joerel Pajac, married, presently assigned at Northern Samar Police Intelligence Unit, and a resident of Catubig town.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim was onboard a motorboat at his farm in Barangay Calingnan, Catubig, going to his residence around 11:10 a.m. Monday.

When the victim was about to disembark from the motorboat, four unidentified suspects suddenly appeared and shot him several times.

The victim managed to jump into the river to escape, however, the suspects continued to shoot him before fleeing from the scene.

After more than an hour of searching, the body of the victim was recovered underwater.

The officer sustained a gunshot wound on his head and left shoulder, which resulted in his death.

Authorities recovered 30 pieces of fired cartridge cases of caliber .45, two pieces of caliber .45 live ammunition, and one slug.

Police are investigating the incident. (SunStar Philippines)