Man killed, cop hurt in encounter

CEBU, Philippines — A man was killed while a policeman was injured in an encounter at Sitio Santa Ana, Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City Monday dawn.

Police Corporal Banedy Talimporos Solante, 37, who lives in the area and is assigned in Consolacion Municipal Police Station at present, was hurt when he had an armed confrontation with the suspect.

Solante was reportedly just standing outside his house when he noticed that the suspect passed by, carrying a firearm.

The policeman then confronted the suspect, however, the latter allegedly fired at the policeman, hitting him in the left leg.

“Niuli siya nag-estambay sa iyang balay.  So, pagnaog niya sa iyang balay, nakita niya nga naay isa ka tawo nilabay nagdala ug pusil.  Iyang gisita, kung unsa tuy nagbukol. Instead nga tubagon siya, according sa iyaha (Solante), bigla siya gibunotan,” Police Regional Office Director Debold Sinas said.

The suspect was identified as Julito Togono Boaquin, 44, a construction worker, and residing in Barangay Bangkal, Lapu-Lapu City.

Talamban Police Station Chief Jonathan Taneo said that the suspect probably visited Barangay Binaliw for the fiesta celebration, since he is not a resident of the area.

“So nag-exchange sila ug pinusilay. Accordingly, the suspect namatay, atong pulis naigo.  Duha ka igo, ato gidala karon sya sa Cebu, nag-recover,” Sinas narrated, quoting the report of Taneo.

Sinas has already released an order to the directors of the Cebu City Police and Provincial Offices to coordinate on the investigation and for the crime laboratory for a ballistic examination.

“So far, it is just a shootout between the suspect and the policeman.  Usually, pag naa tay mga ing-ani, na incident, we give substantial amount sa hospital. Ug among makaya, then we will shoulder all the hospital expenses, pag may legitimate na operations,” Sinas said.

He added that what Solante has done is a proof that the police are monitoring 24/7 even outside their area of jurisdiction, considering that the policeman is assigned at the Consolacion Municipal Police station.

“It’s a chance encounter, dili man ni operation. Naay gisita atong tawo…. Instead na makig-istorya sa atong pulis. Gipusil siya….dili man pud siya taga Cebu City Police Office, he was just concerned na naay kuan.  I’m very  happy na bisan siya ra usa, iyang nasita, kaysa naa pay laing mabiktima,” Sinas added.

Sinas was set to visit Solante yesterday afternoon. (FREEMAN)