PNP chief vows justice for slain Negros cop

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, has assured justice for the death of Police Master Sgt. Davy Carampatana, who was stabbed by a suspected drug pusher during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Talaptap, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Monday.

“We honor the bravery and sacrifice of our fallen officer who gave his life in the service of the Filipino people,” Nartatez said in a statement, as the PNP mourned Carampatana’s death.

Nartatez said the incident underscored the grave risks faced by police personnel in the performance of their duty, but it will not stop them from working to eradicate illegal drugs and prevent crimes.

“Patuloy ang aming paninindigan na protektahan ang komunidad sa kabila ng panganib na kinakaharap ng aming hanay. Sa kabila ng trahedyang ito, mananatiling matatag ang PNP sa pagsugpo sa ilegal na droga at krimen,” he added.

Carampatana, 38, was transacting with the suspect, 41-year-old Edward Acupan, when Acupan violently resisted and allegedly attacked him with a double-bladed weapon.

Police Capt. Michael Muñez, deputy chief of the La Castellana Municipal Police Station, and Police Cpl. Gerson Guache responded to pacify the commotion, but Acupan’s 68-year-old mother intervened and also reportedly stabbed the two officers.

Muñez, Guache, and Acupan were injured, while the elderly suspect was placed under police custody.

Police Maj. Romulo Gepilango, chief of the La Castellana Municipal Police Station, said homicide and frustrated homicide charges were filed Wednesday against Acupan, along with drug charges, while his mother is facing frustrated homicide charges.

Earlier police reports said operatives recovered suspected shabu, marked money, drug paraphernalia, and bladed weapons believed to have been used during the attack.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region commended the courage and bravery of the two wounded policemen.

Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, accompanied by Police Col. Dennis Wenceslao, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, conferred the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting on Muñez and Guache during a hospital visit here Tuesday.

Muñez served as the assistant team leader during the drug bust.

Guache sustained minor injuries and has been discharged from the hospital.

Cardiño recognized the wounded policemen’s unwavering commitment to public service despite the dangers they faced in the performance of duty.

He encouraged the wounded personnel and assured them of the organization’s full support for their recovery and well-being.

“True heroes wear the badge with courage, sacrifice, and honor. Salute to our brave men and women in uniform who continue to serve with valor despite the risks and challenges of the profession,” he said.

Verification note: The May 11, 2026, La Castellana buy-bust, Carampatana’s death, injuries to Muñez and Guache, and the reported recovery of suspected shabu and bladed weapons were also reported by SunStar Bacolod and GMA Regional TV. (sunstar.com.ph)