- High-ranking officer found dead inside police barracks
THE POLICE Regional Office (PRO XI) has launched an investigation into the officer who was found dead inside his quarters at Camp Sgt. Quintin M. Merecido in Buhangin on Monday morning.
“Paiimbestigahan natin today (We’ll investigate it today). He was seen dead. Full blood. At about 7 a.m. Just in time when I arrived at the airport, I was informed,” PNP Director General Jose Melencio Nartatez said in a press conference with the media on Monday.
Nartatez was in Davao City to visit the regional police command on Monday, Feb. 9.
“I gave a directive to investigate kasi hindi naman basta basta nangyayari yun (it just doesn’t happen that way),” Nartatez said.
When asked if there was foul play, he said, “We are investigating this incident.”
The Philippine flag at Camp Merecido was flown at half-mast in mourning for the death of its officer.
In a statement released on Monday, Feb. 9, the PRO XI leadership expressed their “sincere condolences” to the family and colleagues of the deceased officer, whose identity is being withheld.
The regional command confirmed that “proper authorities” are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
While initial reports from earlier today indicated the officer held the rank of lieutenant colonel, the official statement focused on the gravity of the loss to the police community rather than specific rank or cause of death.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss. His passing is felt by the entire PRO 11 community, and we stand in solidarity with his family and fellow personnel during this difficult time,” the statement read.
Recognizing the sensitive nature of a death occurring inside a secure police camp, PRO XI issued a plea to the public and the media to avoid spreading unverified information.
“PRO 11 respectfully appeals to the public to refrain from speculation and to allow the bereaved family the privacy, respect, and compassion they need as they mourn,” the statement said.
