Sinas: Cop’s ambush a retaliatory attack

CEBU, Philippines — Police Regional Office-7 director Brigadier General Debold Sinas believes that the shooting of a police sergeant allegedly involved in illegal drug trade was a retaliatory attack.

Sinas said that the people previously arrested by Police Master Sergeant Roy Ryan Cavalida may be behind his ambush in Samboan on Good Friday. The regional police commander, however, said they are yet to confirm the theory.

He said a thorough investigation will be conducted to establish the motive. Sinas also plans to visit Cavalida to personally talk to him. He said that part of the investigation will be to revisit the police officer’s previous assignments and involvements.

Cavalida, who is assigned at the Regional Operations Division of PRO-7, was injured after he was ambushed while he was on his way home from church in Sitio Pajo, Barangay Poblacion, Samboan town. His older sister, Nanette Cavalida-Deparine, a teacher, was also injured during the incident.

Cavalida was driving his silver Honda sedan with his three sisters and brother-in-law when unidentified gunmen fired at them about 200 meters away from their house.

The gunmen were riding a Mio scooter and were wearing face mask and helmet, according to the witnesses. Initial investigation showed that Cavalida crawled to the front passenger seat and escaped while trying to return fire at their attackers using his 9mm service pistol. Deparine also tried to escape but she was hit in the butt.

Police recovered 18 empty shells of M16 rifle and some empty shells of 9mm handgun. (FREEMAN)