PRO-7 to honor dead, wounded cops in Bohol

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office-7 director, Chief Superintendent Prudencio "Tom" Bañas, said he will honor the late PO1 Michael June Ejoc who died last week during a shootout with the group of suspected drug pusher Artemio Tare Jr. in Tagbilaran City, Bohol last week.

Bañas said the five wounded policemen during the operation including those shot at the checkpoint which led to the killing of Tare in Guindulman town will also receive recognition.

The police official, however, did not mention what award will be given to Ejoc and those wounded. Bañas said he will visit the family of Ejoc to personally give the posthumous honor. According to him, Ejoc died in the line of duty.

Ejoc was one of the members of the Provincial Intelligence Branch of the Bohol Provincial Police Office who responded to a reported drug trade in Barangay Poblacion, Tagbilaran City Thursday morning last week.

The PIB operatives were fired upon by the group of Tare. Ejoc died on the spot while PO1 Reynan Tagotongan, PO2 Judito Jasmin, and PO1 Carlito Gamalo were wounded.

Tagotongan is still confined at the hospital while Jasmin and Gamalo were already discharged.

Tare was shot dead in a follow up operation after he tried shooting it out with the policemen manning the checkpoint in Guindulman town Saturday evening. Injured during the shootout were PO1 Joel Bayron and PO1 Jeremias Platino.

Bañas reminded his men to be cautious at all times but admitted that such incidents are part of the hazards of being police officers. —  (FREEMAN)