Prime suspect in Cebu CIDG officer shooting now in custody

The prime suspect in the shooting of a Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) officer in Cebu is now in police custody, authorities confirmed Thursday.

In a phone interview with reporters, CIDG Director P/MGen. Robert Alexander Morico II said the suspect was flown back to Cebu early Thursday morning, alongside two other individuals previously arrested in connection with the case. He is currently undergoing inquest proceedings for murder and frustrated murder.

“The primary suspect is one of seven individuals involved in the ambush. There are a total of seven suspects in the incident. Three of the seven are already in custody, including the main suspect,” Morico said in a mix of Filipino and English.

According to the CIDG chief, the shooting occurred during a surveillance operation in a mountainous area where officers were tracking suspected gun-for-hire operatives.

Morico explained that the ambush was premeditated, with the suspects positioning themselves strategically to block and fire upon police personnel.

“The ambush site was prepared in advance,” Morico said. “They knew the area as a hideout and acted deliberately once they saw police following the target.”

The incident left one CIDG officer wounded.

Authorities said the officer has been discharged from the hospital after sustaining a graze wound to the mouth from a high-caliber firearm.

The suspects have a history of violent crimes, including shootings and a previous murder case. Authorities are continuing to investigate their possible connections to other individuals, including local politicians.

Morico emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and will include examining links to the suspects’ past criminal activities.

He also addressed reports that some of the suspects had connections with two councilors and the Pasig City Police.

“We will investigate those relationships,” he said. “This is part of our effort to uncover all accomplices and facilitators of the gun-for-hire group.”

Morico noted that authorities have recovered seven firearms used in the ambush, including five short firearms and two long firearms.

Search warrants for their retrieval are ongoing, he added.

Morico further warned that law enforcement personnel face significant hazards during surveillance operations, particularly in remote or mountainous areas.

“This is part of the risks our officers face, especially when tracking armed groups,” he said.

Meanwhile, Morico confirmed that the CIDG is also actively investigating violent incidents during the 21 September rally in Manila, which resulted in property damage, injuries, and arson.

He said the agency is set to file more than 40 cases against those involved, including alleged financiers and instigators.

“The investigation will continue to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future,” he said.

When asked when the cases would be filed, Morico replied: “Tomorrow or next week.”