A police officer and two unidentified men were killed in a shooting incident early Sunday morning, May 11, in Barangay Samon, Sta. Maria, Pangasinan, according to a report by DZRH provincial reporter Fredie Fajardo.
The Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, led by Provincial Director Col. Rollyfer Capoquian, said the incident happened at around 2:30 a.m. Police Staff Sergeant Dennis Jali Oria, 33, married, and a resident of Barangay San Pablo, Sta. Maria, was riding his motorcycle along a barangay road in Sitio Imus when he heard a series of gunshots.
Oria saw two separate groups in different vehicles arguing on the narrow road. The confrontation escalated into a shootout that resulted in the death of two individuals from both sides. When Oria tried to verify the situation, he was shot by a member of one of the groups, leading to his death.
Personnel from the Sta. Maria Police Station and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company immediately responded. Three suspects were arrested at the scene.
Authorities also recovered four short-barreled firearms and a vehicle allegedly used by the suspects.
The suspects are currently under the custody of the Sta. Maria Police Station.
Police are conducting further investigation to determine the motive and other details of the incident.
