ILOILO CITY, Philippines – A massive manhunt was launched against a policeman who shot dead his team leader on New Year’s Eve in Janiuay town.
All seaports, transport terminals and police stations in the province have been alerted and told to look out for Senior Police Officer 1 Arnold Lizada, Iloilo police chief Senior Superintendent Roderick Augustus Alba said.
Lizada, 43, shot dead his superior, Inspector Christian Lee Nelmida, at the 2nd Maneuver Platoon headquarters in Janiuay.
“We have intensified the manhunt operations after he failed to surrender after the 3 p.m. ultimatum I gave him (on Saturday),” Alba said.
“Despite the numerous attempts to negotiate, he failed to peacefully surrender. He is armed and dangerous,” he added.
Alba said that aside from a personal handgun, Lizada carried with him a government-issued M-16 rifle and a 9mm Glock pistol.
Investigators have yet to establish the motive for the attack.
They are set to file a criminal complaint against Nelmida for murder and administrative complaints for malversation of government property and grave misconduct.
According to the victim’s father, retired police major Joselito Nelmida, his son helped send younger siblings to school after graduating from the Philippine National Police Academy in 2013.
Nelmida’s remains will be brought to the regional police office today before being returned to his hometown in Tarlac.