A police officer was shot dead by two unidentified men on Saturday night, Feb. 27, in Hacienda Caridad, Barangay Patun-an, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
PMaj. Roberto Indiape, Calatrava police chief, identified the victim as PSSgt. John Daniel Gotera, 37, who is assigned at the neighboring Toboso Police Station.
Indiape said that Gotera was waylaid by two suspects, who were riding in a black pick-up truck, at about 9:30 p.m. of Feb. 27.
The assailants then shot him twice, using a 45 caliber pistol.
Investigation police showed that Gotera, who was a member of the Calatrava police Drug Enforcement Unit from 2016 to 2017, prior to his transfer to Toboso, succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound in the head, and a slight injury in his forehead.
Indiape said that Gotera was declared dead on arrival at the San Carlos City Hospital after being shot twice by the gunman. The latter and his companion were wearing black jackets and their faces were covered.
Recovered from the scene of incident was an empty shell of .45 caliber pistol.
Indiape said he believes that the shooting incident was work-related, as they are also trying to exert their best effort in establishing the specific reason that driven the suspects to kill Gotera.
Gotera used to be assigned at the Moises Padilla Police Station after his stint at the Calatrava Police Station, prior to his transfer to the Toboso Police Station. – GB
