Police intel officer gunned down

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte – The intelligence officer of the Paoay Police Station was shot dead in broad daylight by still unidentified assailants along the Batac-Paoay road last Thursday, September 1, police said.

Investigators said that PO3 Fernando Sacatrapos, Jr. was on his way back to the police station after attending a training seminar aboard his motorcycle when alleged motorcyclists riding in tandem shot him four times in the body.

He slumped on the roadside on top of his fallen yellow motorcycle as rescuers arrived at the crime scene.

The victim’s wife said that her husband had received death threats during the past days. The threats warned that he was the next target by assassin.

It may be recalled that his police comrade PO3 Nestor Sadian, then chief investigator of Paoay police station, also met a similar tragic death when a lone gunman fatally shot him in front of his house at Brgy. Sideg this town on Dec. 30, 2015.
Sacatrapos’ wife believed that her husband’s slay was related to his anti-illegal drug work as police intelligence officer.
Mayor Jessie Galano also said that Sacatrapos’ intel job against illegal drugs activities in their town may be the motive behind the killing.

He said he had advised the intel officer to be more cautious upon learning that he had death threats. (tsg)