By Noel Talacay
METRO Manila police chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas on Monday said a policeman who killed his senior officer last week was suffering from depression likely brought about by fears that he might be infected with COVID-19 and may not be able to see his family again.
Sinas said P/Cpl. Bryan Jorkis Camarauan Quinagoran, 28, assigned at the 8th Mobile Force Company, Regional Public Mobile Force Battalion — NCRPO, was arrested for killing M/Sgt. Edwin Linsoco San Joaquin, 47, on April 16 at the National Capital Region Police Office headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
Initial investigation showed Quinagoran came down from the barracks for breakfast followed a few minutes later by San Joaquin, who checked the detail order of policeman. While San Joaquin was talking to the duty radio operator, he was shot twice by Quinagoran.
San Joaquin rushed out to ask for help but Quinagoran followed him and shot him anew. The senior officer was brought to the Parañaque Doctors Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Sinas said Quinagoran was suffering from a major depressive disorder and has been taking anti-psychotic and anti-depressant drugs for a week. Sinas added that Quinagoran, who was supposed to be allowed to pay a visit today to his wife who had just given birth in Cagayan, also acquired a lung disease while training.
Quinagoran, detained at the Taguig City Custodial Facility, faces murder raps. Recovered from him were a cal. 9mm pistol Glock 17 Gen 4, two spent cartridges, and a bullet fragment.
“We are looking into a lot of possible scenarios that may have driven P/Cpl. Quinagoran to do this to his senior officer,” Sinas said.
Sinas said as a result of the incident, the psychological and mental health of NCRPO personnel will be one of his top priorities, adding he has launched a Mental Health Awareness Program through the NCRPO Regional Health Service. The program aims to closely monitor the wellness and mental health of the police personnel, specially those deployed in the frontlines.
He said that because of their duty as frontliners in the fight against COVID-19, policemen are forced to live away from their families and loved ones. He said this may have caused agony, anxiety and other psychological impact on them.
“Being in the frontlines, most of my men chose not to be in close contact with their families anymore to lessen the chances of possible contamination in their homes. The extension of this community quarantine is also agonizing for them. Hence, we wanted to ensure that they are in good shape both physically and psychologically.” Sinas said.
“It is our obligation to guarantee that they have enough rest, nourishment and psychological support to withstand the challenges ahead,” Sinas added.
