Cop dead, 3 wounded in Bohol drug operation

CEBU, Philippines - A rookie police officer was killed while three other cops were wounded critically after they were shot several times when they tried to enter what was believed to be a drug den  in Poblacion, Tagbilaran, Bohol yesterday morning.

PO1 Michael June Ejoc, died on the spot after he sustained gunshot wounds to his head and neck.

His companion, PO1 Rinan Tagotongan, was also hit in his neck and head. The bullet was reportedly still in his head when he was brought to the hospital.

Two other cops, PO1 Carlito Gamalo and PO2 Judito Jasmin, were also hit in different parts of their bodies.

Chief Insp. George Vale identified the suspect as Benjun Tari who was inside the room where a drug session was ongoing when the cops arrived.

Vale said there were six operatives who responded to the alarm, two of whom went behind the room while the four hit by gunfire went straight to the door.

Vale said Tari fired the shots right after Ejoc opened the door.

Lavisto said it is possible that Tari might have had a spotter who guided him in shooting or that someone else might have fired shots with him.

“Naa’y mga kahoy palibot sa area, basin wala lang sila nakita nga miapil og pusil kay ngano’ng nangahagba man gyod ang naa sa area nga polis,” Lavisto said.

Lavisto also suspected that Tari might have run out of ammunition, which prompted him to take Ejoc’s service firearm.

“Duda naku basin nahutdan to siya og bala, mao gikuha niya ang armas ni Ejoc. Nakabantay na gyod to siya kay gibana-bana raman niya nga ipalapos lang  sa wall ang bala... igo man gyod ang mga polis,” Lavisto added.

Lavisto said had it not for the two other cops from the back who responded to the shooting, Tari might have already finished off the three wounded police officers.

Lavisto, the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) deputy chief, said Ejoc, Gamalo and Tagotongan were assigned originally to his unit but were detailed eventually to the Bohol Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB).

Supt. Paul Labra, Regional Intelligence Division chief, said Tari fled using a motorcycle.

Labra reminded police officers that when they respond to alarms especially those related to drugs, they must alwayd presume that the suspects are armed and dangerous.

Meanwhile, Belinda Tesorero who was with Tari inside the room was arrested by police officers after authorities recovered four small packs of shabu and drug paraphernalia from the room when the shooting happened.

Vale said that during investigation, Tesorero said that Tari will not allow to be captured alive.

Tari was reportedly hit by a bullet during his escape but police is yet to confirm the information. A hot pursuit operation was launched after the incident for his capture.

Lavisto said Tari was recently released from the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City and is believed to be a drug personality in Tagbilaran City.

Just last week, a suspected drug pusher was killed by operatives of the Regional Special Operation group (RSOG) after he opened fire at the police officers during a buy bust operation in Ubay town, also in Bohol./JMO (FREEMAN)