TACLOBAN CITY, July 14 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office here has conferred medals to three policemen wounded during an anti-drug operation shootout in Sogod, Southern Leyte that killed a former policeman allegedly engaged in narcotics trade.
PNP Regional Director Elmer C. Beltejar pinned the award (Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting) on Thursday afternoon to Sr. Insp. Ja-rale Paalisbo, police officer (PO)3 Jerome Mendoza and PO2 Antonio Dador, Jr.
The wounded cops are members the Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Group.
The awarding took place at RTR Hospital in this city where they are confined for treatment. Dador was hit at his right leg, Paalisbo suffered wounds in his right hand, and Mendoza sustained injury at his middle finger.
“We are very happy with the result of our fight against illegal drugs in Sogod as we’re able to neutralize one of the high value targets in the region,” Beltejar said.
The police regional office will study the possible promotion of injured police officers.
The wounded cops took part in the buy-bust operation on Wednesday afternoon against former PNP member Emmanuel Salon, 39, at a residential house in Zone 1, Sogod, Southern Leyte.
The police seized 11.41 grams of shabu, .9mm government-issued firearm, and a .38 caliber revolver from the suspect.
During the buy-bust operation, the ex-cop opened fire when he recognized the policeman poseur-buyer approaching the house.
The police retaliated prompting the suspect to hide inside the toilet. The exchange of fire continued, hitting the three responding policemen.
Salon was dismissed in the police service on Aug. 6, 2015 due to an administrative case of absence without official leave (AWOL). A native of Cotabato province, his last assignment was the Catbalogan City police station.
The ex-cop opted not to surrender at the police station despite request from village officials, according to police reports.
The anti-drug operation was a joint operation between the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Group, Southern Leyte Provincial Public Safety Company, and Sogod town police station. (PNA) SARWELL Q. MENIANO AND ELVIE R. ROA /EGR
