ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police shot a laborer suspected to be under the influence of drugs after he went berserk and stabbed a cousin and a policeman here last Thursday, Jan. 8.
Police said that 34-year-old Guilmar Bello, who works in a small-scale mining site, appeared to be paranoid after setting foot in his residence in Luyahan, Barangay Pasonanca.
He wielded two knives and threatened people not to come close. Police were called by family members to pacify him and control the situation.
Negotiations with police personnel were initially peaceful but turned violent when the suspect went after lawmen and civilians who tried to negotiate with him.
Bello stabbed a cousin, Ariel dela Rosa, who attempted to talk to him. He also attempted to run after and stab a police officer, Police Lt. Romeo Ocampo, but the knife only hit the lawman's tactical vest.
Police shot the suspect who was taken to a hospital.
Follow-up investigation is ongoing. Investigation will also determine if the suspect was under the influence of illegal drugs.