The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an intensive investigation into the killing of Niruh Kyle Antatico, a former legal researcher of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Region 10, who was shot dead in Cagayan de Oro City on October 10 after reportedly exposing alleged corruption within the agency.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. condemned the attack and assured Antatico’s family and friends that authorities are prioritizing the case to swiftly identify and apprehend those responsible.
“The PNP strongly condemns this act of violence. We assure the family of the victim and the public that we will focus on this case to identify and arrest all those behind this senseless killing,” Nartatez said.
Antatico had previously taken to social media to speak out about alleged anomalies involving irrigation funds under the NIA’s regional office.
Nartatez said he already directed the Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office (PRO-10) to prioritize the case and activate a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) dedicated solely to the incident.
He also instructed investigators to coordinate closely with the NIA-10 for a full background on the whistleblower’s recent activities and reported irregularities.
“The PNP is now conducting a thorough investigation into this incident. Our investigators from the PRO-10, in coordination with the local police and the CIDG, are gathering all available evidence, including CCTV footage and testimonies from witnesses,” Nartatez said.
“We are looking into all possible angles, including the victim’s work-related activities, to determine the real motive behind the killing. Rest assured, we will exhaust all means to identify and arrest those responsible,” he added.
Nartatez likewise ordered local police units to extend protection to possible witnesses or individuals linked to the disclosures made by the victim.
“The directive is clear: no stone will be left unturned. We will make sure that justice is served swiftly,” he emphasized. (Aaron Recuenco)
