Manhunt on for wounded suspect

CEBU, Philippines - The alleged drug suspect who shot a policeman to death during an operation last Friday was also wounded during the shootout.

The suspect, Artemio Tare, Jr., was reportedly hit in the stomach, PO1 Jess Francis Monton told The Freeman.

The policeman who died was identified as P01 Michael June Ejoc of the Provincial Intelligence based in Camp Dagohoy.

Authorities have urged hospitals and clinics to report any suspicious person who may be seeking treatment for a wound in the stomach.

A hot pursuit operation has been launched for Tare’s capture, said Chief Insp. George Vale, Tagbilaran City police station chief.

Vale collaborated Monton’s statement in a radio interview yesterday morning. 

Three other police officers were also wounded during the operation in Barangay Poblacion, Tagbilaran City.

“So far atong mga operatiba naa pa sa area, nag-conduct og hot pursuit operation,” Vale said.

“Actually hiwalay kasi ang operation namin at sa PIB di ko lang masabi kung saan,” Vale said.

He said each unit has been assigned to separate locations to capture Tare who fled away using a motorcycle after the incident.

Camp Dagohoy had dispatched the four policemen, all members of the Provincial Intelligence Branch, after receiving a tip of a drug session.

Ejoc was reportedly the first to go near the house but was greeted with gunfire from inside. His three companions who were behind him were also hit in different parts of their body.

P01 Rinan Tagotongan had to be operated on to remove the bullet from his body. As of yesterday, P03 Julito Jasmin and P01 Carlito Gamalo were declared safe.

“Si Tagotongan naoperahan nah, naa sa ICU pa…stable na si Jasmin, si Gamalo ok na,” Vale said.

Belinda Itong Tesorero, 34, the suspect’s companion inside the house at the time of the incident, is now under police custody, Vale said, adding she may face a separate suit.

Vale said murder charges are being readied against Tare.

Four small packs of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the alleged drug den.

Vale was quoted as saying that Tare told Tesorero he will not allow police officers to capture him alive.

The persistent campaign against the illegal drugs trade in Bohol has yielded positive results with the death of drug lord identified as Romulo Caño alias “Inday Buno” and arrest of his followers as a result of the raid in his two residences in Ubay town last week. (FREEMAN)