By Jason De Asis
BAGGAO, Cagayan – A man tagged in the killing of two police officers in Bocaue, Bulacan last March was killed in an armed encounter with authorities in Barangay Bacagan, Baggao, Cagayan on Tuesday.
Edison Bayumbon, alias “Xander,” was shot dead when he allegedly opened fire at the police officers who were serving the warrant of arrest against him, the Cagayan Police Provincial Office (CPPO) said in a statement on Thursday.
“(The) police were forced to retaliate, which resulted in the suspect’s death,” the CPPO said.
Bayumbon was accused of having a hand in the killing of Staff Sgt. Dennis Cudiamat and Staff Sgt. Gian George Dela Cruz, both members of the Bocaue Municipal Police, on March 8.
Recovered from the scene of the shootout was a Glock pistol with serial number PNP50742, believed to have belonged to one of the slain police officers in the March ambush in Bulacan.
Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr., regional police chief, said criminals have no haven in Cagayan Valley.
“The suspect’s death sends a strong message – Cagayan Valley is not a refuge for criminals. More importantly, this is a victory for justice for PSSgt. Cudiamat, PSSgt. Dela Cruz, and their grieving families,” Marallag said.
The CPPO said further investigation is underway to determine if Bayumbon had accomplices in the murder of the two Bulacan police officers. (PNA)
