Cop faces raps for wounding 2 officers in Davao del Sur bus shooting

Davao del Sur. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Frustrated murder complaints have been filed against the cop for wounding two other police officers in a shooting aboard a Davao-bound bus over the weekend, the Davao Police Regional Office (PRO 11) announced Monday.

The complaints were filed before the Davao del Sur Provincial Prosecutor in Digos City against Cpl. Alfred Dawatan Sabas for shooting at and injuring Cpl. Kent Pamaos and Pat. Russel Tapia at a checkpoint during the trip.

According to police reports, Sabas argued with his live-in partner aboard a Mindanao Star bus traversing Makilala town in Cotabato province early morning last Saturday, Dec. 28, when he fatally shot Reynaldo Bigno Jr., an off-duty security guard.

READ: Cop in bus shooting regrets killing security guard, hurting 2 cops

Authorities said Sabas forced the bus driver to continue its journey to Davao. But at the checkpoint in Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur, he opened fire, wounded the stationed officers Pamaos and Tapia, and fled the scene.

The suspect was arrested on the same day after a hot pursuit operation and taken into custody at the Magsaysay Municipal Police Station.

Further, the Regional Forensic Unit reported that the suspect tested positive for drug use.

A separate complaint for killing Bigno is set to be filed in Cotabato.

Meanwhile, the two injured officers were being treated at a Digos City hospital.

They were each given P100,000 by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and P50,000 by PRO 11 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete as financial aid for their medication.

Rosete lauded the officers in the statement, saying: “This incident highlights the dedication and professionalism of our personnel in ensuring public safety.”

“I also extend my deepest admiration for the two officers injured in the line of duty. Their courage and selflessness are truly inspiring,” he added.

READ: PNP probes cop who killed 1, wounded 2 during bus ride

Earlier on Monday, PNP Internal Affairs Service Inspector General Brigido Dulay confirmed that it was opening an investigation into the incident and speeding up the filing of administrative charges against Sabas.

The police also awarded the two injured police personnel the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (PNP Wounded Medal) for “their exemplary bravery and dedication to duty” on Monday.

Police Col. Renante C. Cabico, officer-in-charge and deputy regional director for operations of PRO 11, presented the awards to the wounded personnel. With a report from Germelina Lacorte