"Hitman" killed, cop injured in shootout in Argao

CEBU, Philippines — An alleged “notorious hitman” was shot and killed, and a police officer was wounded in a shootout between law enforcers and a group of suspected criminals in Barangay Jampang, Argao, on September 13, 2024.

This incident was the latest in a series of shootouts in the southern town of Cebu.

The hitman was identified as Joeraldine Bajenting Gevana, alias “Jiraldin,” who is said to be a member of a drug syndicate in the municipality of Argao.

According to reports of the Argao Police Station, at around 5 in the morning, police officers executed a warrant of arrest for Gevana for violation of Sec. 5 Art II of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 issued by Hon. May Faith Lledo Trumata-Rebotiaco last November 9, 2023.

Upon arrival at the scene, Gevana and his cohorts reportedly opened fire at the approaching arresting officers, and shot one of the police, identified as Pat Joseph Belarma.

Fortunately, Belarma was wearing a bulletproof vest, but he still sustained injuries in his arm and had swelling on his face.

The police’s vehicle, particularly the windshield and visor, was also damaged after the suspects opened fired.

Police Major Janus Giangan, Argao Police Station chief, said they had no choice on a better route to take leading to the suspect’s location, which gave the suspects the better vantage point.

The shootout between the police officers and more or less ten alleged criminals, including the suspect, lasted for almost two hours.

The suspect then fled the scene and ran towards a tunnel, which the police knew was his hideout.

While running towards the underground tunnel, Geneva continuously shot at the arresting team who followed him. The team returned fire, hitting the suspect on his body.

The suspect, as well as the wounded police officer, were both rushed to Isidro C. Kintanar Memorial Hospital at Barangay Bogo, Argao Cebu.

The suspect was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Giangan received information that the group of suspects had purchased equipment and were unwilling to surrender despite requests.

“Ako nihangyo na ko ninyu…ako pa gistoryahan inyu mga ginikanan, surrender mos police station ug iturn-over inyu mga armas. Pero nangatawa ra man mo, gihagit pa kog patay ninyu. Gichatan pa ko nga patyon. Namalit pa ug sniper scope, granada ug mga bala. So karun, hangyo nasad kog balik…surrender mo diris police station ug dad-a inyu mga armas,” Giangan said in his facebook post.

Just last August 20, in the same barangay of Jampang, a certain Jay Rodel Delos Reyes Comaling was shot during a shootout with a police officer who was also serving a warrant of arrest.

Ten days later, Danilo Gula Rafaela, a 43-year-old resident of Barangay Taloot in Argao, was killed during a police encounter. Authorities attempted to get Rafaela to surrender, but he reportedly refused and fired at the officers, leading them to return fire that led to his death. — (FREEMAN)