Shootout in Talisay City kills 1, injures policeman

CEBU, Philippines – A policeman was injured while trying to serve a warrant of arrest in Talisay City against two persons accused of murder after the subjects shoot it out with the members of the Anti Street Hudlom Operating Team of the Cebu City Police Office yesterday afternoon.

The subjects of the arrest warrant, Eddie Sabejon and Willie Sabella, both residents of Barangay Buhisan Cebu City, were able to elude arrest but one of their companions, Rene Boy Ancajas died in the shootout.

Police Officer 2 Crisostomo Bayato was also injured in the right small finger and the right leg. Bayato together with PO2 Ruben Perater went to Camp3 Barangay Jaclupan, Talisay City yesterday afternoon after having tipped off of Sabejon and Sabella's presence.

Armed with the warrant of arrest for murder issued by then Regional Trial Court Judge Anacleto Caminade on April 12, 2004, Bayato and Perater coordinated with the Talisay City Police Office to conduct the operation.

However, before the two policemen could introduce themselves they were already fired upon by the suspects. Bayato said he was able to hold one of the subjects but was forced to let go of him when Ancajas shot him.

Perater was able to return fire hitting Ancajas on the left chest and in the forehead. Perater said he also hit one other companion of the suspects but were able to hide behind the pile of charcoal.

According to Perater, he did not anymore pursue the fleeing suspects because he had to attend to his wounded colleague.

"Natumba to pagkaigo pero nakabarog unya nidagan paingon sa ibabaw," he said.

A pump operator of the Metro Cebu Water District reservoir who went to check the burst of gunfire during the shootout was arrested by the police for illegal possession of firearm and violation of the Comelec gun ban.

Meljun Abatayo, resident of Barangay Jaclupan, was taken by the Talisay City police after a caliber .38 revolver was seized from his possession. Abatayo said he uses the gun for self-defense.

The police also recovered another.38 revolver and a .357 revolver believed to be owned by the fleeing suspects. - /FPL (FREEMAN)