THE acting chief of the Digos City Police Station in Davao del Sur has been tagged as a person of interest in the death of a barangay captain who was attacked while livestreaming on Facebook.
The Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11) confirmed that Police Lt. Col. Peter Glenn Ipong has been relieved from his post while he is being investigated over the killing of Brgy. Tres de Mayo chair Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr.
PRO-11 director Police Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete ordered Ipong’s removal to ensure an impartial probe.
“He further directed the Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office, under the leadership of Police Colonel Leo T. Ajero, Provincial Director, to conduct a thorough and comprehensive probe, which may take one to six months depending on the complexity of the case,” the regional office said.
Rosete visited Bucol’s home to conduct an ocular inspection of the crime scene and validate initial findings. He also went to the victim’s wake to offer condolences and speak with Bucol’s father.
A report said Ipong was among the individuals Bucol had confronted during his Facebook livestream shortly before he was killed.
The report added that 20 policemen have undergone paraffin tests as part of the investigation.
Bucol’s family has also asked the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct its own probe into the shooting.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage that captured a vehicle believed to have been used by the gunmen who shot Bucol.
A P2-million reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspects, coming from Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne Cagas.
