PRO8 digs down on the alleged strafing incident in Northern Samar

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
July 16, 2012

CAMP RUPERTO K KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte  –  Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Arnold Rayala Revilla states that this PRO is now conducting deeper investigation to further establish the suspect’s motive, and to determine the real incident of the recent indiscriminate firing that transpired recently in Brgy Cawayan, Catarman, Northern Samar as reported in Philippine Daily Inquirer dated July 12, 2012.

In fact he said that in the best interest of impartiality and due process, we are continuously investigating this case. There are no exceptions under the law and the PNP is committed to solve this case quickly. If evidence warrant, suspect/s should be held accountable for their actions and appropriate sanction shall be imposed upon them so that justice must be served.

To recall, as reflected on the Brgy Blotter No. 1923 of Brgy. Cawayan, Catarman, Northern Samar at about 10:00 PM of July 11, 2012, at Bayan Muna Headquarters, located at Sitio Bukasan, Brgy Cawayan, Catarman, Northern Samar, Andrew Sudario of legal age, single, Humanitarian Worker and Bayan Muna Chairperson of Northern Samar Chapter and a resident of aforementioned place and Elsa Marino, 17 years old, BS Biology student of UEP, Catarman, Northern Samar while inside the room of said office heard a voice coming from the outside saying in vernacular language “Sige na, sige na”.  After a few seconds, they heard a sound similar to that of a firearm but they just ignored it and thought it came from a passing vehicle until they notice that his books were full of broken glass from the jalousie glass window and saw a metal object similar to that of a slug and he advised his companion to turn off the light and remain inside.

Based on the Investigation Report relative to the incident, submitted by Northern Samar Police Provincial Office dated July 13, 2012 to the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division that the investigating body has yet be given a more conclusive statement with regards to the identities and motive of the perpetrators.  Thus, a more extensive investigation is required to be able to dig out more information as to who might be responsible to the reported incident. There were no indications based on the after SOCO Report that the said establishment was strafed with bullets as indicated in the news.  However, based on the examination conducted by the investigators one bullet hit the window of said establishment using firearm of unidentified caliber.

Moreover, investigator is still looking for other possibilities on the manner of its commission which is part of the investigation that is currently being done.  Until this date Mr. Sudario did not bother to report to Catarman Police Station the alleged strafing incident.