Surigao del sur: The Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) has created a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to fast-track the probe into the shooting of Barobo, Surigao del Sur Mayor Ronito Martizano, Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV said on Wednesday. Magistrado ordered the immediate resolution of the case following the attack on Martizano on Tuesday afternoon while the mayor was traveling from Sitio Panaraga in Barangay Gamut, Barobo. Unidentified gunmen reportedly blocked the mayor's vehicle at around 4:20 p.m. and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
According to Philippines News Agency, Martizano sustained a gunshot wound to his left shoulder, while his security escort was also injured in the ambush. The mayor is now in stable condition. 'PRO-13 strongly condemns this senseless act of violence. We assure the public that all necessary resources are being mobilized, and we will leave no stone unturned until those responsible are brought before the bar of justice,' Magistrado said in a statement.
The PRO-13 chief personally visited Martizano while he was undergoing medical treatment on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) confirmed that the SITG is now leading the investigation, with a person of interest already under monitoring and validation. 'The investigation is strictly ongoing as we continue to gather evidence and track the perpetrators,' the SDNPPO said.
