An off-duty police officer died after he was stabbed while attempting to stop a disturbance in Cabarroguis, Quirino, authorities said.
The victim was identified by the Police Regional Office 2 as Police Senior Master Sgt. Zaldy Castillo Dela Peña, who was assigned to the Quirino Police Provincial Office.
According to the initial investigation, the incident occurred on the night of July 31 at a sari-sari store in Barangay San Marcos.
Police said two men, identified only by the aliases “Nonoy” and “Jun,” allegedly insisted on buying alcoholic beverages despite the store owner’s refusal because of the curfew.
Authorities said the suspects allegedly became unruly, prompting Dela Peña, who was off duty at the time, to intervene in an attempt to calm the situation.
During the confrontation, police alleged that alias “Jun” drew a bladed weapon and stabbed Dela Peña in the left armpit.
The two suspects then fled the scene aboard a motorcycle.
The injured officer was rushed to the Quirino Provincial Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to locate and arrest the two suspects.
Authorities have not announced any arrests as of the latest report.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue gathering evidence and pursuing leads to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing.
The Police Regional Office 2 has not released additional details regarding the suspects beyond the aliases provided during the initial investigation.
