Two robbery suspects nabbed after Bacolod shooting attempt

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A brief chase led to the arrest of two suspected robbers who allegedly attacked two intelligence operatives of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in front of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Barangay Singcang-Airport on Wednesday.

Arrested were alias Toto, 29, of Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental, and alias Tomas, 28, of Barangay 2 here.

In a media interview, Police Maj. Lyndoj Manilla, head of Police Station 8, said the two policemen aboard a sedan had come from a covert operation and were on their way back to the BCPO headquarters when they noticed a motorcycle tailing them around 9 p.m.

When the policemen stopped in front of the BJMP facility, which is beside the BCPO headquarters, one of the suspects allegedly shot at one of the operatives.

The gunman missed, and the other operative managed to return fire at the fleeing suspects.

A pursuit operation was immediately conducted until the suspects were later cornered in the village.

Manilla said the suspects were injured after falling off their motorcycle during the chase.

Recovered from Tomas were a .45-caliber firearm, live ammunition loaded in the chamber, and a magazine loaded with five live rounds.

Confiscated from Toto were four sachets of suspected shabu weighing 20 grams and valued at PHP 136,000, a motorcycle, and a cellphone.

Manilla said police received information that the suspects were allegedly involved in a robbery-hold-up incident in the city a day before their arrest.

Manilla said charges for illegal possession of dangerous drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and attempted murder will be filed against the suspects.

He said police are still probing the motive for the gun attack.

Last April, an anti-drug operative of Police Station 9 was allegedly shot dead by a 32-year-old man who resisted arrest during a buy-bust operation in front of a lodging house in Barangay Singcang-Airport.

Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, director of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, lauded the swift action of the operating units, saying it reflected the effectiveness of the region’s intensified anti-criminality campaign.

In a statement, Cardiño said the operation underscored their resolve to ensure that individuals who attack law enforcement officers and engage in criminal activities are immediately brought to justice.

He added that the accomplishment demonstrated the capability, vigilance, and commitment of police personnel to protect the public and uphold the rule of law.

The arrest followed last week’s apprehension of two alleged robbers who also targeted a female doctor in Barangay 19 here.