Puerto princesa: Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Wednesday asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to uncover the truth behind the death of a corrections officer and two cops in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Good Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Catapang made the call after the family of the victim, identified as CO1 Jerson O. Talon, presented a video and photos showing the victim subdued and face down on the ground with his hands tied behind his back. In a statement, the BuCor chief emphasized the importance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and NBI's involvement to ensure an impartial and thorough probe into the incident.
Catapang acknowledged and thanked PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez for his swift response in relieving and suspending the officers implicated in the incident. He mentioned that Talon's family is considering filing administrative and criminal charges against those responsible.
A violent confrontation reportedly occurred at a wake near Talon's home involving intoxicated police officers and civilians on April 3. Talon's wife, Imelda, recounted that they were inside their residence when her husband heard a gunshot. Concerned for their daughter's safety at the wake, Talon went outside to secure her.
While closing their gate to return inside, three men in civilian clothes approached him, identified themselves as police officers, and questioned him about the earlier disturbance. Imelda claimed that despite Talon introducing himself as a BuCor officer, the men persisted and forcibly entered their home, dragging Talon away. He instructed his wife to secure their children as he was taken.
The wife added that she and her children sought cover and soon heard multiple gunshots. Later, she saw two men - later identified as S/Sgt. Ryan Cris Caba±a and S/Sgt. Jayson Fernandez of Puerto Princesa City Police Station 2 lying on the ground. Imelda and her children fled to a neighbor's house before contacting BuCor personnel. They were subsequently taken to the NBI-Palawan office for protection.
Catapang said the case remains under close scrutiny as authorities work to uncover the truth behind this tragic event and ensure justice for all parties involved.
