By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The suspect in the murder of a Victorias City police officer is currently under scrutiny due to the Philippine Army “mission order” recovered from his possession following his arrest.

Victorias City police chief, Police Chief Inspector Eduardo Corpuz, said he received orders from Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) director, Police Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, to investigate the suspect, Richard Artagame, and find out if he was indeed a “confidential agent” for the army.

Corpuz was skeptical about the mission order after finding out Artagame was reportedly paid P200 a month by the two individuals who signed the order, while their names have been withheld pending verification, they are supposedly Philippine Army personnel.

He also noted, Artagame is not supposed to be issued mission orders since he is a civilian.

Corpuz added, the two individuals who signed the order could face charges if it is revealed they were posing as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Last Sunday, Artagame allegedly shot and killed Senior Police Officer 2 Antonio Broce, and wounded a civilian, identified as Edgar Saludes.

Broce, who was off-duty at the time, responded to a call for assistance in the city’s Barangay 21, after Artagame discharged his .45 caliber pistol in the area.

Broce was instantly killed after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest.

Artagame was later arrested in a follow-up operation./DGB, WDJ