A police officer was killed and two others were injured after a drug suspect and his mother allegedly attacked them with bladed weapons during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Talaptap, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, late Monday night.
PMSgt. Davy Carampatana died from fatal stab wounds sustained during the encounter.
The injured officers were identified as PCapt. Michael Muñez, La Castellana deputy chief of police, who is in stable condition at Doctor’s Hospital in Bacolod City after suffering multiple stab wounds, and PCpl. Jerson N. Guache, who was treated for minor injuries as an outpatient.
PBGen. Romano V. Cardiño, Acting Regional Director of the Police Regional Office Negros Islands Region (PRO NIR), hailed Carampatana as a hero.
“Carampatana paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. To me, he is a hero, his courage and dedication in the service of the people will never be forgotten,” Cardiño said.
On Tuesday, Cardiño conferred the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Personnel Medal) upon the two injured officers.
He assured the families of all three personnel that the organization would provide all necessary assistance.
Cardiño reminded all personnel to exercise maximum caution and vigilance during high-risk anti-criminality and anti-illegal drug operations.
The Drug Enforcement Team of the La Castellana Police Station was targeting a known “street-level individual,” identified as Edward Acupan, 41, in Sitio Talaptap, Barangay Talaptap.
The operation turned violent during the attempted arrest when Acupan reportedly resisted and attacked the team with a double-bladed weapon.
Police reports indicate that the suspect’s mother, Delia Acupan, 68, joined the fray, repeatedly stabbing the policemen as they struggled to subdue her son.
Edward Acupan sustained injuries during the scuffle and remains under police custody at a local health unit. His mother is currently detained at the municipal police station.
The police said they recovered multiple sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P47,600, the bladed weapons used in the attack, buy-bust money and various drug paraphernalia.*
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