ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — A police officer was shot dead in a brazen ambush on New Year’s Eve in Barangay Poblacion, Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay, as he was on his way home to celebrate the coming year with his family.
Authorities identified the victim as Police Staff Sergeant Juneray Estallo Gamones, assigned to the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office based in Camp Avelino, Pagadian City.
According to reports from Diplahan Municipal Police Station and Police Regional Office 9, Gamones was riding his motorcycle toward his hometown in Malangas around 11:00 p.m. Wednesday when armed suspects ambushed him along the Pagadian–Zamboanga Sibugay Highway. Gunmen on a yellow-green Mio motorcycle allegedly tailed and shot him multiple times in Purok Garcia 2, leaving him critically wounded.
Responding officers recovered four spent shells of 5.56mm ammunition at the crime scene, indicating the possible use of a high-powered firearm. Witnesses said the assailants took Gamones’ service weapon before fleeing the area.
Gamones was rushed to Wilfredo Palma Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation and an in-depth investigation to determine the identities and motive of the perpetrators.
The killing of PSSg. Gamones comes as a troubling blow to the police force and his bereaved family, who had been waiting to welcome him home for the New Year. Authorities vowed to bring the assailants to justice and ensure accountability for the shocking attack.