Motorcycle rider wounded in police chase in Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY –– A 15-year old rider of a motorcycle,  whose driver allegedly avoided police inspection in Antipas town, Cotabato province, was wounded in a police chase at 10 am on Monday, police here reported.

Raymart Bayaca, 15, was brought to the Antipas Municipal Hospital for treatment after he was wounded in a firefight between policemen and his motorcycle companion, who allegedly avoided police inspection on Monday, Police Capt. Rolando Violon, officer-in-charge of Antipas police, said.

Violon said their police car was on standby along the national road of Antipas when Bayaca’s motorcycle passed by.

Two policemen flagged the motorcycle for inspection but were allegedly ignored by the driver, prompting the police to chase the motorcycle.

Police claimed they were fired upon by the suspects using a .45-caliber pistol, so they were forced to fire back, hitting Bayaca, who fell from the motorcycle after he was wounded on his left thigh and shoulder.

The suspects reportedly hit the windshield of the police car but no one was hurt inside the police vehicle.

Bayaca’s companion escaped.

Police recovered the pistol and several empty shells inside the police mobile./lzb