Policeman injured in stabbing

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman was injured after he was stabbed by a vendor whom he tried to arrest for concealing a knife Thursday night in Barangay Pahina Central.

But PO1 Shaundemer Bagul, 27, who is assigned with the Parian Police Station, managed to shoot tempura vendor Alfredo Merenello, 39, who was later arrested.

Investigation by Homicide police showed that PO1 Bagul, who was on off duty, was driving a motorcycle heading to a nearby mall to buy something when he met Merenello at Sanciangko St. at 6 p.m.

The policeman noticed a knife tucked in the waistband of the suspect, who was not wearing an upper garment.

PO1 Bagul approached the suspect to arrest him but when he introduced himself as a law enforcer, the suspect pulled out the knife and stabbed him.

The policeman managed to draw his service firearm and shoot the suspect, hitting his right thigh.

However, the suspect reportedly continued to attack him with the knife.

Sensing imminent danger, PO1 Bagul decided to fire more shots at the suspect until the latter fell on the ground.

The policeman managed to proceed to Cebu City Medical Center while Merenello was taken by paramedics to the same hospital. Both are residents of Barangay Pasil.

Four empty shells and a live ammunition from caliber .45, PO1 Bagul’s service firearm, as well as the suspect’s knife, were recovered from the crime scene.

SPO4 Alex Dacua, team leader of Homicide Section, said both PO1 Bagul and Merenello are now in stable condition.

In an interview, the suspect said he was about to meet his employer, who is also a tempura vendor, when the policeman suddenly approached him.

Complaints of direct assault, frustrated homicide and carrying of deadly weapon will be filed against Merenello.

Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el, Jr., the outgoing director of Cebu City Police Office, said PO1 Bagul could not be held liable because he was only doing his job.

“Call of duty man ‘to. Gani, day off niya pero iyang girespondehan,” said Natu-el.  (FREEMAN)