A police officer and a recently released convict were killed after the latter grabbed a service firearm and opened fire inside the Carmona Component City Police Station (Carmona CCPS) in Cavite on Wednesday, July 2.
Cavite Police Provincial Office (Cavite PPO) identified the suspect as alias Al, who had served time for murder at the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. He was reportedly released on June 28.
Al was brought to the police station following a trespassing complaint, although the complainant declined to press charges.
Police said the suspect remained at the police station for documentation purposes.
During the processing, the suspect managed to seize a service firearm from one of the officers and began firing, hitting two policemen – one in the leg and another twice in the body.
Other police officers returned fire, wounding the suspect.
All three were rushed to the hospital, where the suspect and one police officer died while undergoing treatment.
Investigators from the Provincial Forensic Unit recovered the service firearm used in the incident.
“This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable risks faced by our officers,” Cavite PPO acting director Col. Dwight E. Alegre said in a statement.
“It also demonstrates the courage and prompt action of our personnel in controlling the situation. We remain committed to protecting the community and supporting our police officers.”
The Carmona CCPS, meanwhile, expressed grief over the incident.
“The Carmona PNP mourns the loss of one of our own, who was tragically taken from us in an assault by a newly released convict. Our deepest condolences and prayers to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” a Facebook post from the police station read.
Alegre stated that an in-depth investigation is underway to ensure accountability and strengthen preventive measures. (Carla Bauto Deña)
