• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Two suspects were arrested following a shooting incident involving intelligence operatives of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) on Thursday along Alijis Road in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City.
The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Bern” and “Rom,” were apprehended after police launched a manhunt in response to reports of an attack on two BCPO intelligence personnel.
Recovered from the suspects were a caliber .45 pistol with a magazine containing six rounds of ammunition, about 20 grams of suspected shabu valued at P136,000, a Rusi motorcycle believed to have been used in the incident, and a cellular phone.
Initial investigation showed that the two BCPO intelligence operatives were traveling along Magsaysay Avenue in Barangay Singcang-Airport when they noticed two men on a motorcycle following them.
One of the suspects allegedly opened fire, prompting one of the operatives to return fire. The exchange of gunfire forced the suspects to flee, triggering a pursuit operation by responding police units.
The chase led to the arrest of the two suspects. Despite the attack, both BCPO intelligence operatives were unharmed.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting regional director of the Negros Island Region Police Office, commended BCPO personnel for their swift response and successful operation.
Cardiño emphasized that individuals who attack law enforcement officers and engage in criminal activities must be held accountable and brought to justice without delay.
The BCPO is preparing the appropriate criminal charges against the suspects, while investigators continue to determine the motive behind the attack. | GB
