Policemen told to get kagawad “dead or alive”

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño has ordered a manhunt operation against fugitive councilman Felix Abacajan of Barangay Maghaway, Talisay City.

Taliño said Abacajan should surrender immediately because he is being hunted by the police.

 "Dead or alive dapat makuha siya," Taliño said.

 Abacajan eluded arrest after a shootout with the operatives of Provincial Intelligence Branch on October 5 resulting in the death of his brother, Joser, and another cohort, Julian Bonghanoy Jr.

The police were out to serve a search warrant against the Abacajans for illegal possession of firearms when they engaged the operatives in a shootout.

"Better na mag-surrender kaysa mapatay. Kung lumaban delikado siya," Taliño said.

Abacajan is considered armed and dangerous considering the several high powered firearms seized in his residence during the operation.

The police official said the councilman can surrender anywhere he feels safe.

"Kahit saan pwede siya mag-surender, kahit sa akin.Tuloy-tuloy siya nagtatago, ehh di tuloy-tuloy din namin siya ha-hunting-ngin," he added.

Taliño clarified that there was no shoot-to-kill order against Abacajan but police operatives were cautioned that the suspect is armed and dangerous.

"Of course, we need to defend ourselves also," he added. (FREEMAN)