by JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex” Uy has ordered the immediate arrest of the killers of one of the city’s top performing police officers.
Cogon Police Station Chief, Capt. Abdulcahar Armama, was shot and killed on the night of October 5, 2024, in Barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro. Armama was attacked just 100 meters from his home, near Greenhills Memorial Park, by two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects.
The suspects waited for Armama to exit his vehicle before opening fire, striking him in the head. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
“The mayor has also ordered Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) Chief Col Radam to create a taskforce for the immediate resolution of the case and bring the perpetrators behind bars,” Uy’s spokesperson John Actub told reporters yesterday.
The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) and Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) quickly condemned the killing. PRO-10 Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Evan Viñas, announced that authorities are pursuing all leads, including possible motives related to Armama’s work, family, and other personal circumstances. “All angles will be explored to determine the motive,” Viñas said.
PRO-10 issued a strong statement against the violence, calling the killing of a public servant “abhorrent and unacceptable.” The office urged the community to cooperate by providing any information that could aid in the investigation. “We must stand united in rejecting violence and ensuring that justice is served,” read the statement.
Armama, 31, a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy Masidlak Class of 2017, was remembered as a dedicated public servant, particularly known for his strong stance against illegal drugs. His family released a statement mourning his death, describing him as a “loving father, husband, and son,” and honoring his bravery in leading efforts to combat drug syndicates in the city.
The remains of Capt. Armama was immediately brought to his hometown in Lanao del Norte yesterday, where his family and community mourn the loss of a respected officer and public servant who risked his life for the safety of Cagayan de Oro City. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determined to solve the case swiftly.
In March, this year, Armama received various citations for his series of accomplishments including the arrest of a certain “Malut,” who was wanted by the law because of his alleged involvement in shooting incidents in the past.
Armama was also instrumental in arresting suspects involved in drug trafficking, illegal gambling, among other accomplishments as police precinct commander of Police Station 2 Cogon, at the age of 31.
