TACLOBAN CITY – Two police personnel of Javier, Leyte, were injured after a man shot them while they were having their lunch break on Monday, July 22, at the roof deck of their police station located in Poblacion Zone 1.
The suspect, known by the alias “Ed,” a 44-year-old farmer with a common-law wife and a resident of the said town, launched a sudden attack on two police officers at about 12:30 PM.
The victims have been identified as PSSg “Rudy,” 37 years old, married, and a resident of MacArthur, Leyte, and PSSg “Erne,” 44 years old, married, and a resident of Tanauan, Leyte.
According to the report from the regional headquarters of the PNP at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, while the victims were taking their lunch along with their colleagues, the suspect suddenly appeared, seized the issued Glock 17 9MM pistol of PSSg “Leo,” and began firing at the victims.
PSSg “Rudy” was struck in the chest, while PSSg “Erne” sustained a gunshot wound to his right lower thigh.
In the midst of the chaos, PCpl “Gino,” sensing immediate danger to his life, jumped out of the window of the roof deck, resulting in self-inflicted injuries.
PSSg “Leo,” after finding an opportunity, attempted to disarm the suspect but was overpowered.
The situation prompted PCpl “Naldo” to fire the suspect and hit at the different parts of his body.
The victims and the suspect were quickly rushed to Javier Municipal Infirmary for immediate medical attention.
However, the suspect was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The injured officers, PSSg “Rudy,” PSSg “Erne,” and PCpl “Gino,” were referred to Divine Word Hospital in Tacloban City for further medical treatment.
Further investigations are underway to understand the motive behind the attack and to ensure the safety and security of the police personnel and the community they serve.
But based on the statement of Leyte acting police director, Col. Dionisio Apas, Jr., the suspect went to the police station on the pretense of surrendering after he learned that he had an arrest warrant.
Col. Apas did not disclose why the suspect had a warrant but emphasized that further investigation would be conducted to ensure no similar incidents would happen in the future.
“In light of this, I want to assure the public that this incident is isolated, and the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) is actively managing and addressing the situation,” he said, adding that he had already instructed the chief of the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“The Leyte PPO reaffirms its commitment to maintaining peace and order, with the safety of our officers and the communities we serve as our top priority,” Apas added.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
