PNP probes traffic cop’s slay in Cagayan de Oro

Fajardo identified the victim as SPO1 Sergs de Constantine Maceren, who succumbed to a gunshot wound in the chest. (PNA file photo by Benjamin Pulta)

MANILA – Chief Supt. Roberto Fajardo, chief of the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), on Friday ordered a probe into the fatal shooting of a traffic police officer in Cagayan de Oro City last Wednesday, two days after he nabbed two violators who offered a bribe to get their impounded cars.

Fajardo identified the victim as SPO1 Sergs de Constantine Maceren, who succumbed to a gunshot wound in the chest.

Maceren was shot by the driver of a car with improvised plates, whom he accosted on Masterson Ave.

in Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City last Wednesday. He was with SPO2 Lyndie Baltazar and PO1 Joel Laurente of the Special Operations Team of Regional Highway Patrol Unit 10 (Northern Mindanao) when they flagged down a Hyundai Accent sedan with improvised plates ULI-448.

Maceren and Baltazar were shot as they approached the driver, later identified as Abdulrahim Batawi Adilao of Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Adilao later died from his wounds after the lawmen returned fire.

Baltazar is being treated for gunshot wound at a local hospital.

Two days earlier, Maceren sued a certain Gary Sabrido Ranalan of Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro and Franklin Jhon Cabural Ramos of Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro for bribing him in exchange for the release of their respective vehicles that were impounded for delinquent registration and unauthorized plate.

Fajardo said they are verifying the background of Adilao to determine if he has any link to the two violators who were arrested earlier.

He said Adilao’s firearm and car have been submitted to the Crime Laboratory for forensic examination.

Fajardo added that the HPG has provided aid to Maceren’s family.

Maceren will be accorded appropriate funeral honors befitting a fallen hero, he said.