NORTHERN Mindanao Police are tracking two more persons of interest in the killing of a five-year-old child in Bagontaas, Valencia, Bukidnon, Regional Director Brigadier General Jaysen de Guzman said Monday.
This comes after the first person of interest (POI) reportedly shot himself on Sunday, January 12, by grabbing a police officer’s firearm while preparing to give his judicial statement.
The child’s body was found in a sugarcane field behind a mall in Bagontaas.
“May nakakita sa kanya kaya siya ang unang nahuli,” de Guzman said, adding that the suspect initially gave inconsistent statements, at one point admitting to the crime.
“Nitong huli handa na siyang magbigay ng confession kaya in front of a lawyer kaya eventually biglang nang agaw siya nang baril and then pinutok niya agad sa sarili nya,” said De Guzman.
Police are now working to identify and locate the other two suspects. The first POI died without naming any accomplices.
“Tuloy pa rin ang pag i-imbestiga kung sino yong dalawang kasama,” de Guzman said.
Witnesses told police they believe the suspect was the child’s father, noting there were no signs of struggle as the two were last seen together buying candy.
The police officer from whom the POI snatched the firearm will face an internal investigation.
“Unang-una paano siya nakuhaanan nang baril. Due diligence dapat na exercise niya yun,” de Guzman said.
He also reminded parents and guardians to prioritize the safety of their children.
