BUTUAN CITY – A police officer was killed in a buy-bust operation involving two suspected drug pushers in Sitio Cayutan, Purok 2, Barangay Cagniog, Surigao City on Wednesday night, May 6.
Police Regional Office-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV visited the wake and condoled with the family of Police Staff Sgt. Charito J. Gepulla in Surigao City. Gepulla’s family received cash assistance.
The PRO-13 chief also visited Police Patrolman John Paul M. Lesmoras at Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City who was wounded during the operation. Lesmoras also received financial assistance.
PRO-13 information officer Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said the PRO-13 remains steadfast in their commitment to ensure that Gepulla will receive justice and continuous support.
Ometer added that PRO-13 will continue to strengthen and enhance precautionary measures in all future operations to prevent similar incidents and ensure the highest level of operational effectiveness and personnel safety.
Investigation said one of the suspects managed to grab the service firearm of an arresting officer during the operation and shot Gepulla who was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
The suspects fled and surrendered to the police hours later. They face appropriate cases.