THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) has filed an administrative case for grave misconduct on Wednesday against a police corporal who surrendered after allegedly gunning down a 39-year-old businesswoman, with whom he reportedly had an illicit affair, last May 25.
DCPO director Col. Hansel Marantan confirmed the filing of the administrative case on Wednesday, stating that the incident appeared to be driven by selos (jealousy), a motive also implicated in a previous, non-fatal confrontation involving the same individuals.
The fatal shooting occurred around 11:35 p.m. on Sunday along Palma Gil Street in Obrero, Barangay 13-B.
The victim, identified by authorities as alias Dianna, 39, a resident of Barangay Angliongto, was found slumped in the seat of a black Mitsubishi pick-up truck with gunshot wounds. She was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
According to Marantan, the suspect, who was assigned to Police Station 15 in Ecoland, had a history of jealous outbursts involving the businesswoman. He revealed that this was the second known incident, with the first being a hostage situation in Bajada involving the same woman.
In that prior incident, the victim had already filed an administrative case against the police officer.
The tragic shooting on Sunday reportedly occurred on the suspect’s 39th birthday, reigniting “jealousy issues” that escalated into the fatal incident. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing two gunshots from the black pick-up truck before seeing a man leave the vehicle.
Responding officers, utilizing witness photographs, positively identified the suspect as a member of Police Station 15-Ecoland.
A coordinated manhunt operation, involving the Digos City Police Station, led to the suspect’s surrender at approximately 5 a.m. on May 26, the day after the shooting. He has since been turned over to Police Station 1 (Sta. Ana) for custody.
“We have just filed [the administrative case] right now for grave misconduct out of that murder,” Marantan said, adding that further details would be limited as the suspect was recently inquested.
Forensic examinations, including a paraffin test on the suspect, have reportedly yielded positive results, reinforcing the evidence against him.
“All the forensic examinations leading to that case nag positive naman,” Marantan said.
The DCPO director underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “He will be jailed. He will be dismissed from the service because criminal liability is your administrative liability.”
The DCPO has publicly assured that it will not “whitewash” the case to protect the policeman involved, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and justice.
In light of the incident, Col. Marantan reminded all police personnel of their sworn duty to uphold the law, serve the public with integrity, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
