Man helps alleged pusher escape

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged toughie in Sitio Suba, Barangay Poblacion, Argao town, was shot and wounded by police last Thursday evening for helping a suspected drug pusher escape after a buy-bust operation.

Thadius Saniel, half-brother of drug suspect Joemar “Tigulang” Puerto, 48, of Sitio Looc, Barangay Poblacion, Argao, suffered a gunshot wound to the left knee after he was shot by Argao police chief Insp. Alejandro Batobalonos.

Saniel was then taken to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City for treatment.

A hand grenade and a .357 cal. revolver with three empty shells and a dud bullet were confiscated from Saniel by the police.

A team led by Batobalonos conducted the buy-bust operation against Puerto around 6 p.m. and they were able to successfully transact for a small packet of shabu in exchange for a marked P500 bill.

But when Puerto realized he was dealing with policemen, he ran inside a house.

Police cornered Puerto who was hiding in a dirty kitchen and were able to handcuff him.

“Di gyud siya muoban, muligid na lang sa yuta,” Batobalonos said in a phone interview.

Police tried to hurriedly leave the area but Puerto called Saniel for help.

Saniel arrived, his face hidden behind a black handkerchief. He positioned himself behind a tricycle with passengers in it and fired at the policemen with a revolver.

PO2 Marvin Chin, who was holding Puerto, returned fire, but he lost his grip on the suspect who ran away and entered the house of a certain Lorito Calago.

Batobalonos said after the tricycle passengers scampered for safety he shot at the lower portion of the tricycle hitting Saniel in the knee.

“Nag-expect ko nga mo-surrender siya pero sige lang siya og pabuto hangtod nahurot iyang bala,” he said.

Saniel tried to escape by crawling away but police captured him.

Batobalonos went to the house of Calago but he was barred by the latter from entering.

“Wa na lang mi mamugos kay daghan nang tao naa pa siya’y inahan nga nakuyawan sa sulod,” he said.

Police are preparing charges for violation of Section 5 of RA 9165 and resistance and disobedience to a person in authority against Puerto.

Charges for attempted murder and illegal possession of explosives were also prepared against Saniel as well as a case for obstruction of justice against Calago.  (FREEMAN)