VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur – Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano asked the newly assumed police regional director to look into the investigation of previous violent incidents perpetrated in the province in the past.

According to the governor, he made his request to new police regional director Chief Superintendent Romeo Hilomen during the latter’s courtesy call at the provincial capitol on Thursday.

He said that the occurrence of some crimes involving firearms and deadly weapons will tarnish the image of the province, being the most peaceful local government unit (LGU) in Ilocos Region today.

“We will not tolerate the occurrence of crimes in the province because this will destroy our present image in the region as well in the country and at the same time, our different tourism and investment development programs will also be affected,” he said.

“We will not let this be a serious problem to our peaceful province, thus, I am also appealing to our constituents to help us and the police operatives shed light on these crimes,” he added.

The governor cited the latest shooting incident in Cabugao town on Saturday where two persons involving a former barangay captain, were killed and four other persons seriously hurt.

Former Barangay Captain Melito Sinco, 50, of Barangay Pug-os, Sinait, Ilocos Sur, and Robert Sumahit, 50, a barangay tanod, of Bungro, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, were shot and killed by unidentified suspects while playing a card game called “Lucky Nine” during a wake in Barangay Bungro in Cabugao town.

The four others who were seriously injured during the incident were identified as Joel Sonido, 19; and Jojo Sosa, 23; both of Barangay Bungro, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur; John Joseph Savellano, 24; and Rolando Saplor, 28; both of Barangay Pug-os, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Hilomen immediately ordered Ilocos Sur police director Senior Supt. Virgilio G. Fabros to conduct a thorough investigation in order to identify the suspects. (PNA)