A POLICE major was killed in an ambush staged by unidentified assailants in Abulug town in Cagayan last Monday night.
PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. vowed the killing of Maj. Rafael Tangonan, 36, assigned with the Finance Service of the Cagayan Valley regional police office in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, will not go unresolved.
The Cagayan provincial police office said Tangonan was driving his Toyota Hilux pick-up truck in Barangay Libertad at around 8 p.m. when he was fired upon by the suspects aboard a Toyota Innova van.
Citing the accounts of witnesses, it said the suspects’ van overtook the slow-moving vehicle of Tangonan. Shortly after, the suspects opened fire at Tangonan’s vehicle, particularly at the driver’s side.
Tangonan sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the body and head. He was brought to the Far North Hospital in Luna, Cagayan where he was declared dead on arrival.
“I join the officers, men and women of the PNP, in expressing our sorrow over the loss of a police commissioned officer stationed in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, who died in an ambush staged by still unknown assailants on Monday night,” said Azurin.
Azurin assured the family of Tangonan that the PNP “will do everything within its power and authority to serve the ends of justice for Major Tangonan’s death.”
Azurin said he is confident that the Cagayan regional police office will conduct an “extensive investigation and follow-up operations to identify and immediately arrest the gunmen.”
