A POLICE officer who was supposed to respond to a call for assistance was killed in Upper Rancho, Bangahan, Pangantucan town in Bukidnon, over the weekend.
The victim was identified as Police Staff Sergeant Rio Tibang, 39, a resident of Bangahan, while the suspect was known only as alias Tata Maulas of Manubiray Lampanusan from nearby Kalilangan town.
Initial investigation showed that the police officer was responding to a call for police assistance on the presence of an armed man wielding an undetermined caliber of handgun around 4:20 p.m., Sunday, April 28.
The suspect was believed to be under the influence of alcohol.
Upon arrival at the site, the suspect reportedly opened fire, hitting the victim's head, chest, neck and stomach. Tibang died on the spot.
Investigators said the suspect immediately fled the area.
The Pangantucan PNP is now conducting a round-the-clock pursuit operation to arrest the suspect.