Cop critical in Surigao del Sur shooting

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – A policeman tasked to keep watch the beach amid the tsunami alert following Friday’s earthquake was attacked by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Marihatag town, Surigao del Sur, authorities on Sunday said.

Senior Police Officer 2 Tomas Lumapay was fighting for his life at Butuan City Doctors’ Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds on his back, according to Supt. Martin Gamba, Caraga regional police spokesperson.

Gamba said the 51-year old member of the Marihatag police station was riding a motorcycle on his way to the beach to monitor the sea water level following the quake when attacked in Barangay (Village) Poblacion around 11:45 p.m. Friday.

“Lumapay was able to fire back and elude the hail of bullets but two suspects on another motorcycle arrived and shot the victim, hitting him in the back,” said Gamba, adding responding policemen recovered two pairs of slippers and a Honda XRM motorcycle believed owned by the perpetrators, as well as nine spent shells of cal. 45 pistol.

An investigation into the incident was now being conducted, police said.