PNP Intensifies Manhunt for Perpetrators in Dual Homicide Cases
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a comprehensive and full-scale manhunt targeting the individuals responsible for the brutal fatal shootings of a public school teacher in Isabela and an electric cooperative director in Oriental Mindoro. These cowardly attacks occurred on Saturday, prompting immediate and decisive action from law enforcement authorities across the regions.
Victims Identified in Separate Tragic Incidents
In Isabela, the victim was identified as Lullete Jane de Guzman, a 33-year-old public school teacher and former Ms. Philippines-Earth 2013 runner-up. De Guzman, who had recently celebrated her birthday on January 22, was tragically gunned down while inside her sports utility vehicle with her three children. The shooting took place directly in front of their residence in Barangay Cabaritan, San Manuel town, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Meanwhile, in Oriental Mindoro, Antonio Mendeja, a director of the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ormeco), was shot dead while checking his vehicle in Pinamalayan town. Mendeja was described by Ormeco as a pillar of integrity and a voice for the voiceless, making his untimely death a significant loss for the cooperative and the broader community.
Strong Condemnation and Calls for Justice
PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued a powerful statement on Sunday, emphasizing that mere words of condemnation are insufficient in the face of such atrocities. We will focus on identifying and arresting all those involved in these two killings in the interest of justice and the rule of law, Nartatez declared. He underscored the PNP's unwavering commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly and effectively.
Ormeco released an emotional statement honoring Mendeja's legacy, stating, While we celebrate a legacy of light and empowerment, we cannot remain silent in the face of tragedy. We honor their memory by demanding the truth. Justice for Director Antonio M. Mendeja is not just a plea. It is a necessity for the peace of our community. This sentiment reflects the deep impact of the crime on those who knew and worked with the victims.
Operational Directives and Crime Prevention Measures
General Nartatez has directed the Police Regional Offices in Cagayan Valley and Mimaropa to prioritize the arrest of those responsible for these twin crimes. In addition to the manhunt, he has ordered police commanders to intensify crime prevention measures, which include:
- Establishment of strategic checkpoints
- Increased police visibility in vulnerable areas
- Strategic deployment of personnel to deter further criminal activities
The PNP chief also made a public appeal, urging anyone with information related to the killings to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. This collaborative approach aims to leverage community support to expedite the resolution of these cases.
Broader Context: Upholding Integrity in Police Operations
In a related development, General Nartatez took the opportunity to remind police officers involved in the anti-drug campaign to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and professionalism. We are making sure that all our operations strictly follow the police operational procedures that are anchored on integrity and the rule of law as part of our continuous efforts to win the trust and respect of the Filipino people, he emphasized.
This reminder comes against the backdrop of significant achievements in the government's anti-drug efforts. The Department of the Interior and Local Government recently reported that approximately PHP99.5 billion worth of illegal drugs have been confiscated under the current administration, highlighting the ongoing battle against narcotics and the importance of lawful conduct in all police activities.
The PNP's dual focus on solving these high-profile murders and maintaining procedural integrity underscores its commitment to justice and public safety. As the manhunt continues, authorities remain determined to deliver justice for the victims and their families, reinforcing the rule of law in the Philippines.
