POLICE created a task force that will investigate the killing for four people in Lanao del Norte on Wednesday and the burning of the Rural Transit of Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) bus.
Northern Mindanao Police Director Conrado E. Laza said the members of the task force will do an in-depth investigation on the incident.
"This incident is very inhuman and those responsible should be arrested as soon as possible," Laza said, as he urged everyone to help the police in putting the culprits behind bars to give justice to the victims.
"With your cooperation, this case will be solved in no time," Laza added.
Because of the incident, Laza directed all unit commanders of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct daily checkpoint and submit reports, including their accomplishment on the "no plate, no travel" policy.
On Wednesday, a bus with Body no. 1516 belonging to RTMI was traveling from Cagayan de Oro to Zamboanga City when it was flagged down by eight armed men wearing police uniforms in a checkpoint in Barangay Balili, Lanao del Norte at around 12:20 a.m.
The armed men allegedly shot the bus driver identified as Jaime Duhaylungsod, his conductor Archie Bastasa and two police passengers. The suspects also set the bus on fire.
The police officers who were killed were identified as SPO1 Rosalito Obatay and PO2 Jovito Cabigas.
Upon learning of the incident, Laza said he immediately went to the area to personally supervise the conduct of the investigation and extended his condolences to the family of the police officers.
"The reason these policemen got killed is because they are performing their duties well," Laza said. (Nicole J. Managbanag)