By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Task Force Kasanag (TFK) national commander John Chiong recently requested the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in the Western Visayas to conduct an independent investigation into the deadly shooting incident in Bacolod City’s Barangay Sum-ag last week, which led to the death of two suspected robbers.

In his letter addressed to Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) director, Police Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, Chiong asked for “an independent investigation in the name of justice and transparency” and “to avoid whitewash.”

“Through your independent investigation, we can achieve justice and transparency [on] behalf of those who died, and the injured civilians as well,” Chiong said.

Last Friday, suspected robbers, identified as Agustin Criminal Gang members Armelle Espadon and Ryan Alib, burglarized a panel van in Barangay Taloc, Bago City.

Both Espadon and Alib were cornered by law enforcement in front of Sum-ag National High School, which led to the gun battle and their eventual demise.

The panel van driver, Ruben Cuelo, was later arrested after investigators discovered he worked with the suspects during the robbery, which he later admitted to.

Cuelo is presently detained at Bago City Police Station and faces robbery charges.

Bulalacao, meanwhile, said the Regional Internal Affairs Service-6 has already begun its investigation into the incident to determine if responding cops encountered any lapses during the operation.

However, Bulalacao stated, based on information submitted to him, police acted lawfully as the suspects posed a threat./DGB, WDJ