Cops told: “Don’t hesitate to shoot”

CEBU, Philippines - Following a series of bloody anti-drug operations which resulted in injury and even death of policemen, a ranking police official in Cebu has given the field operatives the green light to shoot down the subject of future operations if their lives and that of the civilians are in danger.

Superintendent Rodolfo Albotra, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, said that people involved in illegal drug trade are now more brutal and willing to shoot it out with the law enforcers.

“Ang trend karon they are brutal, manukol gyud sila they will shoot it out with the police officers. If given the chance mosukol gyud sila, they will resist,” Albotra said.

Albotra said that police officers should not also hesitate to shoot them if their lives are in danger and they should use whatever force necessary to prevent loss of lives on their part and of the innocent civilians.

“This is the right thing to do. Police officers should not hesitate in case there is danger in front of them. They should not hesitate to use the necessary force if their lives and the lives of the civilians are in danger,” he added.

Albotra cited as an example the Tuburan buy-bust operation last Friday wherein the police were able to immobilize a drug suspect who tried to resist an arrest with a hand grenade.

Jonald “Empoy” Calaunan, 25, of Barangay 3, was brought to Tuburan District Hospital after he got shot by the police while trying to throw a fragmentation grenade at them.

Calaunan was able to lob the grenade but the policemen were able to seek cover. However, Jiosias Jugan, 30, of Barangay Daanglungsod, was injured during the incident after he was hit by the shrapnel.

“Tuburan police conducted a buy-bust operation but during the operation the suspect was able to pull a hand grenade. Before he was able to throw it to the police officers the operatives shot him in the leg that caused him to tumble. Good for that nga wala’y nangaangol sa kapolisan ang naangol ang usa niya ka kauban ug siya,” Albotra said.

Albotra said the suspect was later arrested by the police. He was brought to the hospital and will be charged for selling and possession of illegal drugs and direct assault. (FREEMAN)