Intel cop killed in drug sting

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region mourned the death of a 38-year-old intelligence operative after he was allegedly stabbed and killed by a suspected drug pusher who resisted a buy-bust operation in Sitio Talaptap, Barangay Talaptap, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Monday.

Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR acting regional director, extended his condolences to the family of Police Master Sgt. Davy Carampatana, a member of the La Castellana Municipal Police Station.

“We mourn the untimely death of Carampatana who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Cardiño said in a statement, calling the fallen officer a hero for his courage and dedication in the service of the people.

Carampatana’s two companions — Police Capt. Michael Muñez, La Castellana deputy chief, and Police Cpl. Gerson Guache — were injured, along with the suspect, 41-year-old Edward Acupan.

Police Maj. Romulo Gepilango, chief of the La Castellana Municipal Police Station, said Carampatana was transacting with Acupan outside the suspect’s house when Acupan allegedly attacked him with a double-bladed weapon.

Carampatana and Acupan grappled for the weapon, prompting Muñez and Guache to respond and pacify the commotion.

However, Acupan’s 68-year-old mother, Delia, allegedly ganged up on the operatives and repeatedly stabbed them with a knife.

Muñez sustained multiple stab wounds and is confined in a private hospital here.

Guache sustained minor injuries, while Acupan is confined at the La Castellana Rural Health Unit under hospital arrest.

Acupan’s mother is under police custody pending the filing of appropriate criminal charges.

Gepilango said the kitchen area where the incident happened was small, limiting movement, while some police operatives were posted outside the house.

Recovered from the operation were several sachets of suspected shabu valued at PHP 47,600, marked money, drug paraphernalia, and bladed weapons believed to have been used during the attack.

Gepilango said an improvised firearm locally known as “sulpak” was also recovered by Scene of the Crime Operatives at the suspects’ house and will be subjected to ballistic examination.

Gepilango said Acupan had previous cases for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and illegal possession of explosives.

Acupan was considered notorious for allegedly being involved in gun-for-hire and robbery incidents in the fourth and fifth districts of the province, according to Gepilango.

With this incident, Gepilango reminded police operatives to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety during police operations.

Carampatana, a resident of Isabela town, entered the police service in 2010 and had served for about 16 years.

He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Meanwhile, Cardiño assured the families of the slain and injured personnel that the organization would provide all necessary assistance and support during this difficult time.

He likewise reminded all police personnel to exercise maximum caution and vigilance during police operations, especially high-risk anti-criminality and anti-illegal drug operations.

The entire police station also mourned the death of one of its personnel.

“We honor and remember his dedicated service, invaluable contributions, and unwavering commitment to duty rendered with honor, integrity, and professionalism,” the police station shared on social media.

His dedication, selfless service, and loyalty to the organization and the community he faithfully served will forever remain an inspiration to his fellow police officers and to all whose lives he touched, it added.

“Though he may no longer be with us, his legacy of courage, compassion, and commitment to public service will always be remembered and deeply cherished. Your service and sacrifices will never be forgotten,” it said.

The incident followed the death of Police Master Sgt. Romulo Galvez Jr., a member of Police Station 9 here, who was shot and killed by a suspected drug pusher in a drug bust in Barangay Singcang-Airport here on April 9.

The suspect in that operation also later died in a hospital after sustaining injuries reportedly from resisting arrest.