LAGUNA – A man shot and killed a police officer who was arresting him for his involvement in illegal cockfighing in Pangil, Laguna.
Police identified the slain cop as PCMS Gilbert Briz.
Prior to the lawman’s death, operatives from Pangil Municipal Police Station caught three men engaging in “tupada” (illegal cockfighting) in Barangay Sulib.
Arrested during the operation were suspects Alan Gabriel Acueza and Jayson Balid.
The third suspect, Ronilo Oliveros Ruben, resisted arrest and grabbed the service firearm of PCMS Briz.
Before fleeing, Ruben shot Briz, killing him instantly.
Following the incident, Laguna Police acting provincial director Col. Cecilio Ramos Ison Jr. ordered Pangil, Siniloan, Paete, and Mabitac Municipal Police Stations to conduct follow-up and hot pursuit operations against the suspect.
Ruben was arrested a few hours later in Barangay 4 Quinale in Paete.
In a statement, Ison expressed Laguna Police's condolences to the family of the fallen cop and assured the provision of financial support and other social benefits to his family.