A 47-year-old farmer was allegedly hacked to death by his younger brother inside their home in Barangay La Esperanza, Tulunan, Cotabato. Police say a long-standing grudge, a recent altercation, and alcohol may have fueled the brutal killing, as authorities prepare murder charges against the suspect.
An off-duty police officer was killed after he was allegedly stabbed while trying to pacify two unruly men during a disturbance at a sari-sari store in Barangay San Marcos, Cabarroguis, Quirino late Friday night, 31 July.
The victim was identified as Police Senior Master Sergeant Zaldy Castillo Dela Peña, 42, assigned to the Quirino Police Provincial Office and a resident of Barangay San Marcos.
According to the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2), the incident happened around 11:20 p.m. when two men identified only by their aliases “Nonoy” and “Jun” allegedly attempted to buy liquor from a sari-sari store despite the owner’s refusal due to the late hour and curfew restrictions. Police said the two became unruly after being denied service.
Dela Peña, who was off duty and having dinner at the establishment, reportedly intervened to calm the situation and prevent it from escalating.
During the confrontation, alias “Jun” allegedly pulled out a bladed weapon and stabbed Dela Peña in the left armpit before fleeing with his companion aboard a red Honda Wave motorcycle toward Diffun, Quirino.
Personnel from the Quirino Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office rushed the wounded officer to the Quirino Provincial Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Responding personnel from the Cabarroguis Municipal Police Station secured the scene and launched an investigation. Authorities also issued a flash alarm and conducted hot pursuit operations in coordination with neighboring police stations to locate and arrest the suspects.
Quirino Police Provincial Office director is personally overseeing the follow-up operations.
Police Brigadier General Mariano C. Rodriguez, regional director of PRO2, condoled with Dela Peña’s family and honored the officer’s service.
“PSMS Zaldy Castillo Dela Peña exemplified the highest ideals of public service. Though he was off duty, he did not hesitate to place himself in harm’s way to protect lives and preserve peace in his community. His courage and selfless act embody the true spirit of a police officer whose commitment to serve knows no time or circumstance,” Rodriguez said.
PRO2 said operations remain ongoing to apprehend the suspects and assured the public that efforts will continue until those responsible are arrested and brought before the courts.
