By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—A special task force was formed to conduct a deeper investigation on the killing of another police officer on September 19, making him the second police victim attacked by motorcycle-riding men last month.
Police Officer 1 Perfecto Mike Joaquin Jr., 43, was shot on by still unidentified assailants while he was about to park his motorcycle in front of his house at Brgy. San Pablo in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.
Barely two weeks ago, 40-year old PO3 Fernando Sacatrapos of Barangay 15 Santa Rita in nearby Paoay town was also gunned down in broad daylight while driving to work.
Alarmed by the series of attacks against law enforcers, a special task force group was formed immediately on through General Order No. 122 signed by P/Chief Insp. Jaime Quiocho Jr. of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office based in Camp Capt. Valentin S. Juan here.
Based on initial police report, PO2 Gerome Ruiz said they are looking at all possible angles of the crime as he confirmed reports the latest police victim has alleged involvement in illegal drugs, causing his transfer and re-assignment to Adams, Ilocos Norte.
In a recent drug testing of the PNP, Mr. Joaquin was also one of those who had been absent without official leave.
After he was shot, Mr. Joaquin was rushed to the nearby Black Nazarene Hospital but his attending physician failed to revive him.
Investigators recovered at least eight empty shells of .45 caliber at the crime scene.
Prior to his assignment at the Adams police station two years ago, P/Chief Insp. Dexter Diovic Corpuz, chief provincial public information officer said the victim was a former member of the Police Community Relations at Camp before he was assigned at the Adams police station.
“This is another unfortunate event in the PNP. May we call on the public that if they know any information about the killing, they should not hesitate to inform us to help in the investigation,” Mr. Corpuz said in a radio interview.
According to Mr. Corpuz, Mr. Joaquin has been active in organizing Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs).