The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday vowed to bring to justice members of a gun-for-hire syndicate linked to a deadly encounter in Candelaria, Quezon that left one police officer dead and two others wounded.

PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the organization is committed to pursuing those responsible for the killing of Patrolman Ron Jay Chavez and to providing full support to the wounded officers and the bereaved family.

Patrolman Chavez, assigned to the First Quezon Provincial Mobile Force Company, was killed during a routine mobile patrol in Sitio Pulyok, Barangay San Isidro on 19 December. His teammates, Police Master Sergeant Sonny C. Caringal and Patrolman Kim Kenneth Averia, sustained injuries in the incident.

Initial reports said the policemen noticed suspicious individuals near a banana plantation and attempted to approach them, but were met with gunfire from armed suspects allegedly carrying M16 rifles and a pistol.

In a follow-up operation conducted by the Quezon Police Provincial Office, authorities reported that the alleged leader of the armed group, identified only as alias “Mark” of Tiaong, Quezon, was killed. Police also recovered firearms and an abandoned vehicle as operations continue to track down the remaining suspects.

“This incident reminds us of the risks our police officers face every day in the performance of their duty,” Nartatez said. 

“We mourn the loss of Patrolman Chavez, whose service and bravery will not be forgotten, and we assure his family and our wounded personnel that the PNP stands with them,” he added.

On 21 December, Nartatez personally visited the injured officers at the United Candelaria Doctors Hospital, accompanied by senior PNP officials. During the visit, he awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting and the Medalya ng Kadakilaan to recognize their courage and sacrifice, and extended financial assistance to support their recovery.

The PNP chief also directed Police Regional Office 4A and the Quezon Police Provincial Office to intensify intelligence-driven operations against gun-for-hire syndicates and other organized armed groups operating in the region.

He stressed that those responsible for the death of Patrolman Chavez would be held accountable.

Nartatez further assured that the PNP will continue providing financial, psychological, and logistical support to the families of the slain and wounded officers.

“The safety of our communities and the welfare of our personnel remain our top priorities,” he said. “We will not waver in our duty to protect the people and to honor the sacrifices of our police officers.”