More than a thousand residents in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur took to the streets to call for justice for the death of Barangay Poblacion chairman Billy Jack Ogca who was killed in a police operation.

The residents wore white shirts and joined the walk for justice.

Ogca was killed in a gun buy-bust operation carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Barangay Upper Itil on June 22, 2024.

Ogca’s sister, Vice Mayor Edna Ogca Benito, said that what happened to her brother was robbery and ambush even as she claimed that the killing was allegedly intentional. She said her brother’s cash amounting to P300,000 placed inside the car was missing.

The vice mayor also asserted that her brother did not fight back and was not involved in gun-running activities contrary to the allegations against him.

“Ang importante ay maipaabot ko ang aming hinaing sa Balabagan. Ganito naba ang gobyerno? Saan naba ang serve and protect? Among the PNP kasi PNP din yan,” Benito said.

The family has called on the national government to look into the incident.

“Sana umabot ito sa kataas-taasan na special investigation ang ilalagay dito kasi alam ko gobyerno ang makakalaban ko. Kung hindi nagrereact ang ibang munisipyo sa ginagawa nila, akin hindi ko ito palalampasin,” Benito added.

CIDG Director, Major General Leo Francisco, said an investigation into the incident has already been launched.

CIDG added that those personnel involved will be held accountable if proven that they have committed violations during the operation.

However, CIDG belied the allegations against the organization.