Bulacan town police chief shot dead  

MANILA, Philippines — A police chief in San Miguel, Bulacan was killed while a civilian was injured during an encounter with a motorcycle-riding tandem on Saturday night.

According to the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, Lt. Col. Marlon Serna, acting chief of police of San Miguel town was killed in the encounter involving two men on a motorcycle while a 17-year-old was injured in the crossfire.

An initial investigation showed that at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, a report was received by the San Miguel Police Station regarding an alleged robbery that transpired in Barangay San Juan of the town.

Serna and his team immediately proceeded to the scene to investigate and pursue the suspects.

Upon reaching a darkened area of Barangay Buhol na Mangga in San Ildefonso, Serna’s team chanced upon two unidentified suspects onboard a Mio motorcycle. Before it could be flagged down to stop, the suspects opened fire at the police, hitting Serna on the head before fleeing toward Barangay Akle. A 17-year-old civilian was also injured in the crossfire.

The wounded police chief was quickly rushed to Emmanuel Hospital, but died during treatment.

“This is unfortunate news for us, as one of our members was killed in line with our diligent efforts to arrest lawless elements, and while nothing can make up for his loss, along with our deepest condolences, we assure his bereaved family that they will get the necessary benefits that is due for them,” Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Central Luzon regional police director, said in a statement.

“Still, we are committed in our fight against all forms of criminality and we will continue to be relentless in our campaign at all costs,” he added.

Reward for information

A P1.2-million reward has been raised for anyone that can provide information and help identify the suspects in Serna’s killing.

Hidalgo announced yesterday that a total of P1,000,000 in reward money will go to anyone who could provide information and identify the suspects.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has put up P500,000 in reward money, an additional P300,000 from the Police Regional Office 3 and P200,000 from the Philippine National Police, he said.

Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando has also put up P200,000 for a total of P1.2 million for the heads of the cop killers, confirmed Katrina Anne Bernardo-Balingit, chief of the Public Affairs Office of Bulacan.

Hidalgo has also ordered Col. Relly Arnedo, Bulacan police director, to fast-track a thorough investigation into the incident. –  Ric Sapnu