The Bulacan Police Provincial Office (PPO) is mourning the loss of two dedicated police officers who were killed during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Tugatog, NIA Road, Barangay Tambubong, Bocaue, Bulacan.
BAYANING PULIS--The Bulacan PNP is mourning the loss of SSgt. Dennis G. Cudiamat and SSgt. Gian George N. Dela Cruz who risked their lives during a buy-bust operation in Bocaue, Bulacan, on Saturday, March 8. (Photo from Bulacan PNP)
“We mourn the tragic deaths of our brave police operatives who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting the public. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, and we assure them of our support during this difficult time," Bulacan PPO officials said.
The incident occurred on Saturday, March 8, at around 12 p.m., when operatives from the Bocaue Municipal Police Station conducted an entrapment operation targeting individuals involved in illegal firearms. However, the operation turned deadly when unidentified gunmen suddenly opened fire on the officers.
SSgt. Dennis Cudiamat sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head and died on the spot, while SSgt. Gian George Dela Cruz was critically wounded. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Dela Cruz succumbed to his injuries at around 3 p.m.
In response, Bulacan Police Director Col. Satur Ediong immediately launched an aggressive follow-up operation, which led to the arrest of one suspect, identified as alias “Dado,” 38, a resident of Barangay Bunsuran, Pandi.
However, his accomplice, alias “Athan,” remains at large after engaging officers in a shootout and fleeing with the service firearms of the slain policemen.
Authorities recovered from the arrested suspect a .38 caliber revolver with no serial number, a hand grenade, a Rusi 125 motorcycle with a sidecar, a genuine P1,000 bill used in the buy-bust operation, and four boodle money bills.
Further investigation led to the discovery of a Honda Beat motorcycle in Barangay Bunsuran 2nd, believed to have been used by the fleeing suspect. Police are actively tracking him through surveillance footage and intelligence reports.
Criminal charges for violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Act 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives), and double murder are being prepared against both the arrested and at-large suspects.
Central Luzon police regional director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo strongly condemned the attack and vowed justice for the fallen officers.
“The Philippine National Police will relentlessly pursue all those responsible for this heinous attack. We will not rest until justice is served. This act of violence against our personnel will not go unpunished, and we will ensure that the full force of the law is brought down upon the perpetrators,” she said.