Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen Rodolfo Azurin, Jr has restricted the sale of police uniforms after six men wearing PNP uniforms killed Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda, and his five escorts.
According to Azurin, apart from the registered police uniform outlets, it would be better to ask for an identification card for those who will buy them and be recorded.
Azurin has instructed his regional directors to find accredited contractors and authorized outlets of uniforms in their jurisdictions to monitor those who buy police uniforms.
The anti-cybercrime division of the PNP is watching even those who sell police uniforms online.
Apart from Alameda, Alexander Agustin Delos Angeles, Alvin Dela Cruz Abel, Abraham Dela Cruz Ramos, John Duane Banag Almeda, and Ismael Nanay are also dead.
The Mistubishi Adventure used by the suspects was found on fire in Brgy Uddiawan, Solana, at the checkpoint in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, when the ambush took place.
Upon verification at the Land Transportation Office, the red plate SFN 713 placed on the Mitsubishi Adventure when the crime occurred was believed to be stolen because the said plate was registered to Nueva Vizcaya State University.
Sale of PNP uniforms will be restricted
Azurin believes the suspects only wore police uniforms to make the checkpoint look legal and confuse the investigation.
However, Azurin still ordered a thorough investigation into the crime.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to review the policies and processes for issuing and transporting weapons in the country.
Abalos also assured that the Special Investigation Task Force of the Police Regional Office is now in action to investigate the incident and immediately catch those responsible for this heinous crime.
Abalos also insisted that the PNP should be stricter in granting licenses to own firearms and permits to carry firearms outside of the residence to prevent such incidents.
Apart from this, he also said that the PNP needs to be more diligent in conducting Oplan Katok or visiting houses to voluntarily surrender expired or unregistered weapons.
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