(March 9, 2021) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday established a task group to investigate the death of Calbayog Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and his aides in Samar after a shootout with alleged attackers.
On Monday, Aquino and his security escorts exchanged gunfires with unidentified individuals aboard two vans in Brgy. Lonoy, Tinambacan District.
Latest reports revealed that undercover police officers of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Unit of Samar PNP were on board the two vans, placing more concerns on the incident.
PNP Region 8 director Brig. Gen. Ronaldo De Jesus, however, explained that the police operatives were just conducting a routine surveillance operation in those hours.
He said Aquino, who he assured was not their target, thought the two vans following them wanted to attack him.
Aquino was on his way to his family’s resort to attend his son’s birthday party.
“I can only assume that this was a mistaken encounter,” said De Jesus. “Walang suspects na lumalabas, initial information lumalabas na nagkasabay sa kalsada ‘tong grupo ni Mayor at saka ang mga operatiba natin, and then lumalabas na pinagsuspetsahan ng grupo ni Mayor itong mga tropa natin and then doon na nagstart mag-putukan. Hindi subject ng operation si Mayor.”
De Jesus did not give further details on the shootout.
“Hindi ko maukwento ang detalye, mamaya pa ang aming pag-convene ng SITG ( Special Investigation Task Group) at the same time, ina-account natin ang lahat ng mga involved na personnel natin and inasikaso muna natin ‘yung mga namatay at inasikaso muna natin ‘yung mga nasugatan,” said De Jesus.
Aquino was serving his last and final term as the mayor of Calbayog.
In an interview with DZMM, Samar Rep. Edgar Sarmiento said Aquino isn’t involved in drugs.
The Diocese of Calbayog condemned the killing of Aquino and his companions, calling for a thorough and speedy investigation to give justice to them.
“The Diocese of Calbayog does not tolerate any form of repression, especially through extrajudicial killings. The right to life is a gift for everybody and no one has the right to take it. The wheel of justice is the proper venue for resolution of any case,” said Calbayog Bishop Rev. Isabelo Abarquez in a statement.
Aquino’s death isn’t the only incident involving a local official who was killed in Calbayog. As recent as last October, former Councilor Jessie Jackson was ambushed by unidentified gunmen while driving his motorcycle in Brgy. Cagnipa, Tinambacan District.
His death remains unsolved.
Several local officials who have been linked to drugs have also been slain recently. Just last month, Zamboanga Sibugay Vice Mayor Restituto Calonge was shot dead by a lone gunman. In February 2020, former Mayor of Talitay in Maguindanao, Abdul Wahab Sabal was gunned down in Manila.
(With reports from Pat Mangune, News 5, Kiko Demigillo/PM)
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