PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines —Two police officers and a Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) employee were shot dead in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, after a confrontation at a wake escalated into violence on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. Authorities are investigating the incident, which has shocked the local community.

The fatal shooting occurred in Barangay Irawan around 9:40 p.m. during a wake where tensions reportedly flared between police officers and several attendees. Witnesses said one officer was punched, prompting him to leave the scene. He later returned with companions, including the two other victims, leading to another heated confrontation that ended in gunfire.

The victims were identified as Police Staff Sergeants Ryan Cris Cabaña and Jayson Ferna, along with BuCor employee Ramil Dela Peña. All three sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the exchange. Residents described the incident as sudden and chaotic, with mourners fleeing the area as shots rang out.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) condemned the violence and confirmed that the suspects remain at large. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the Mimaropa Police Regional Office to conduct a thorough investigation, stressing that “justice must be served for our fallen officers and the BuCor personnel.” He also directed local police to intensify efforts to track down those responsible.

Initial reports suggest the incident may have stemmed from a mauling at the wake, where men drinking allegedly attacked two individuals who later sought police assistance. When officers returned to question those involved, tensions escalated into a shootout. Authorities are now examining whether alcohol and personal disputes played a role in the deadly confrontation.

The Puerto Princesa City Police Office has assured residents that security measures are being reinforced in the area. Investigators are gathering testimonies from witnesses and reviewing evidence to establish the sequence of events and identify the gunmen.

This tragedy underscores the risks of violence erupting in social gatherings and highlights the need for stricter enforcement of peace and order during community events. As the investigation continues, families of the victims and the wider community await accountability for the deaths of two police officers and a BuCor employee.

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