Cop loses 3 fingers in pillbox explosion

DAGUPAN CITY – A policeman here lost his three fingers when a pillbox exploded while he was frisking an arrested suspect about to be detained at the city jail here.

Police Officer 3 Alfonso Villamil was still at the Villaflor Hospital yesterday after doctors amputated three fingers of his right hand due to a pillbox explosion.

The other day, Villamil subjected to a body search suspect Albert Alvarez, 27, of Barangay Calmay who was arrested for creating trouble. While Villamil was frisking Alvarez, a pillbox suddenly exploded when the policeman touched the back portion pocket of Alvarez’s pants before lodging him to jail.

Alvarez also sustained minor injuries but was immediately released from the hospital.

The police earlier confiscated a butcher’s knife from Alvarez when he was nabbed.

The police are set to file appropriate charges against Alvarez for the said incident. – Eva Visperas