No suspects yet in killing of BFAR-11 official in Panabo City

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/ 9 December) — Police in Panabo City, Davao del Norte have yet to identify suspects behind the killing on Saturday of an official from the  Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Region 11.

Karen Diana Candilosas, senior aquaculturist at the agency and a resident of Barangay Dapco, Panabo City, was shot dead around 10:20 a.m. on December 7 by unidentified gunmen.

Lt. Col Jess Anthony Maghirang, Panabo City Police Station chief, said in a radio interview Monday morning that Candilosas had just stepped inside her car, which was parked near BFAR-Panabo City office at Purok Marang, Barangay Cagangohan, when the gunmen shot her.

Maghirang said two empty shells from a 9mm pistol were recovered from the crime scene, and the victim was shot at close range.

“As per witnesses, riding-in-tandem ang nagpusil and base sa CCTV footage na nakuha namo sa vicinity (The gunmen were riding in tandem based on the CCTV footage that we got at the vicinity),” Maghirang said.

He said they looking into either personal grudge or work-related reasons as the motive for the killing.

Candilosas served as the provincial fishery officer of Davao del Norte before working as senior aquaculturist at the BFAR National Mariculture Park.

Meanwhile, BFAR-11 condemned the tragic death of their colleague.

“This tragic loss has left an irreplaceable void in our hearts and BFAR, as an organization. We strongly condemn the circumstances surrounding her death and stand in solidarity with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” BFAR-11 said in a statement on Sunday (Ian Carl Espinosa/MindaNews)