THE Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-11) ordered an investigation into the shooting incident that killed the wife of a militiaman in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Saturday, December 15.
Police Chief Superintendent Marcelo C. Morales, PRO-11 regional director, directed the Talaingod Municipal Police Station to conduct an in-depth investigation to identify and arrest the perpetrators as soon as possible.
"We condemn such vicious attacks on civilians by the Communist terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA)," Morales said.
The shooting incident occurred in Sitio Nasilaban Proper, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte at around 4:45 p.m. Saturday.
Gina Mantayona, 23, wife of Cafgu Active Auxiliaries (CAA) Mario Mantayona and resident of Sitio Nasilaban Proper, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, was killed.
The victim suffered two gunshots to the right portion of her abdomen. She was rushed to Davao del Norte Hospital-Kapalong Zone.
Because of her critical condition, she was immediately referred to Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The 56th Infantry Battalion (IB) reported that there were two perpetrators who were believed to be members of Guerilla Front 55. One was identified as Rommel Tausan.
After the incident, Talaingod police and adjacent police stations conducted checkpoints along the possible escape route and are still conducting follow-up investigation for the identification and apprehension of the suspects.
It can be recalled that earlier this week, the CPP ordered its armed wing to conduct offensives across the country in response to martial law extension which prompted Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde on December 13 to order all the police forces to be on high alert against possible attacks.