Napolcom vows accountability over slain cop in Zamboanga del Sur

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has vowed stronger oversight and accountability measures following a brazen daylight ambush that claimed the life of a police corporal in Dumalinao town, Zamboanga del Sur. Police Corporal Armaejo Unab Jornadal, 36, a member of the 2nd Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants in Barangay Tikwas around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, while en route home from Pagadian City. Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered four spent shells of a suspected 9mm pistol. Provincial police director Col. Bonifacio Arañas Jr. said robbery appeared to be the motive, with the suspects carting away an estimated P214,000 cash that Jornadal had just loaned from the Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loans Association, Inc. (AFPSLAI). He condemned the killing as “an affront to the rule of law and the peace-loving people of Zamboanga del Sur.” Less than 24 hours later, relentless hot pursuit operations yielded a breakthrough on Thursday morning, July 2. A police staff sergeant assigned to the Margosatubig Municipal Police Station voluntarily surrendered, admitting he drove the motorcycle during the ambush. He surrendered his service firearm and identified his cohort as the gunman. Acting on his information, joint police units arrested the alleged shooter at his residence in Barangay Poblacion, Margosatubig later that day. Authorities recovered Jornadal’s issued CANIK 9mm pistol from the suspect’s possession. Both suspects were turned over to the Dumalinao police for the filing of criminal charges. Brigadier General Dennis Esguerra, Police Regional Office – 9 (PRO-9) acting regional director, visited the wake of Jornadal to pay respects, confer a posthumous award, and extend financial assistance to the bereaved family. “Our commitment does not end with the arrest of the suspects. We owe it to our fallen police officer and his family to ensure that justice is fully served,” Esguerra said. Atty. Pablito Abad Jr., National Police Commission Regional Office-9 (Napolcom-9) director, vowed stronger oversight and accountability measures with the involvement of a fellow policeman in the ambush. “Integrity in law enforcement begins with accountability. Napolcom-9 remains steadfast in ensuring that every allegation involving police personnel is acted upon promptly and in accordance with the law,” Abad said. Napolcom-9 assured the public it will continue to work closely with the PNP and other agencies to uphold professionalism, discipline, transparency, and accountability.