LAND DISPUTE. The Digos City Police bares Tuesday (June 11, 2024) that land dispute may have been the motive behind the killing of Davao Occidental Assistant Prosecutor Eleanor Dela Peña. Dela Peña was shot and killed inside her car in Aplaya, Digos City, Davao del Sur, on Monday afternoon (June 10). (Photo courtesy of Inday Hamis)
DAVAO CITY – A land dispute may have been the primary motive in the killing of a female prosecutor on Monday afternoon, the Digos City Police Office said Tuesday.
In a statement, the local police said a suspect was arrested during a hot pursuit operation at around 9:40 p.m. on Monday in the neighboring town of Sulop, hours after Davao Occidental Assistant Prosecutor Eleanor Dela Peña, 54, was shot and killed inside her car in Barangay Aplaya.
Police identified the suspect as Arnel Dela Peña, 56, a half-brother of the victim.
“The possible motive for the shooting is believed to be a land conflict. The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a dialect he understands and is currently in police custody awaiting inquest proceedings,” the police said.
The arrest came after identification from several witnesses, supported by closed-circuit television footage.
A. Dela Peña yielded 10 pieces of 12-gauge shotgun shells, 27 5.56 MM live rounds, an M16 rifle magazine, and other pieces of evidence.
In a radio interview on Tuesday, the suspect denied the allegations and said he was not in the vicinity of the crime area when it happened.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Davao City strongly condemned the murder of its former president.
“We cannot allow such acts of violence to intimidate or silence those who are tasked with the critical duty of enforcing the law. In light of this grievous event, we call upon law enforcement agencies to take immediate and decisive action,” the group said.
IBP-Davao demanded a "thorough and swift investigation."
Senseless killing
The Department of Justice (DOJ) strongly condemned the “senseless killing” of Dela Peña and vowed to bring the culprit to justice.
In a statement on Tuesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said they are "completely devastated over the tragic death of a fellow vanguard of justice."
“There should be no place in society for such barbaric acts, totally abhorrent and sinister transgressing the most fundamental aspect of humanity and life,” the DOJ chief said.
Remulla has directed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a parallel investigation into the killing.
He also ordered immediate action to ensure the safety and security of people working and committed to upholding the rule of law and advancing justice. (with Marita Moaje/PNA)
