By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A police officer allegedly took his own life last Friday while inside a detachment in Escalante City’’s Barangay Mabini. While Escalante City police have requested anonymity for the deceased, they revealed the officer was 26 years old, held the rank of patrolman, and was a resident of Jamindan, Capiz.
Escalante City police chief, Police Lt. Colonel Necerato Sabando, Jr., said their station received a call from 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company commander, Lt. Colonel Arnel Solis, around 4:20 p.m. after reportedly discovering the officer’s remains.
Upon arrival at the scene, the officer was found slumped over and bloody.
Authorities recovered the police officer’s .45 caliber service firearm.
A preliminary examination indicated the person in question reportedly killed himself by shooting towards his chest with the bullet exiting his back. Investigators also interviewed colleagues of the late officer and discovered the victim had been seen crying often as they had reportedly been encountering problems with family.
Sabando added, they are currently waiting on a decision by the police officer’s kin as to whether they can perform an autopsy./DGB, WDJ