American who ‘attacked’ cop out of jail

CEBU, Philippines - The American national who attempted to attack a cop in Barangay Poblacion, Santander town is free from detention after posting a P2,500 bail.

SPO2 Manuel Regulacion of the Santander Police Station said Municipal Circuit Trial Court Judge Francis Rainier Navarrete has ordered Dale Lanen Dunbar, 55, released yesterday.

A case for alarm and scandal were elevated against Dunbar in court after he chose not to answer the charges at the prosecutor’s level.

Dunbar, who is from Alabama, USA, and presently residing at Barangay Pasil, Santander, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg after police had to shoot him for allegedly brandishing his knife and trying to attack a cop last Sunday afternoon.

In an earlier interview, Regulacion said Dunbar got drunk when he attended the blessing of his neighbor’s house.

After the party, Dunbar rode a motorcycle and went to a store owned by James Belarmino in Barangay Poblacion. Dunbar allegedly pushed Belarmino, prompting the store helpers to come to the latter’s rescue.

Dunbar then allegedly took a foldable knife out and brandished it in front of those in the store.

PO2 Vergil Rosal and PO2 Dante Daniega arrived and asked Dunbar to drop the knife.

The American, however, did not listen and instead turned his attention to the policemen, challenging them to a fight. He then approached Rosal who fired a warning shot, which did not stop Dunbar from trying to attack him.

Rosal, who sensed his life was in imminent danger, shot Dunbar in the leg.

Dunbar was immediately brought to the Oslob District Hospital and was later transferred to a hospital in Dumaguete City. — (FREEMAN)