Fleeing suspect uses wife as ‘human shield,’ wounds 2 cops in Palawan

SAN PEDRO CITY—-A man wanted for murder was able to escape by using his own wife as a “human shield” before shooting two police officers in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province, early Friday.

An initial report from the Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan (Mimaropa) police identified the suspect as Ferman Daleta Ramsa, 56, a resident of Puerto Princesa City, who was wanted for murder and violation of Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Senior Superintendent Ronnie Cariaga, city police director, said members of the police’s City Mobile Force Company went to Ramsa’s residence to serve the arrest warrant around 6 a.m. Friday. But instead of yielding, Ramsa reportedly fought back by firing at the policemen.

“The suspect used his wife as a human shield by hiding behind her as he fired shots,” Cariaga said in a phone interview.

Wounded in the shootout were Senior Police Officer 2 Habil Abdul Insail and Police Officer 1 Jasper Ian Sumandal Cacho. Both were brought to the Palawan Adventist Hospital for treatment.

Ramsa was able to escape the shootout “but our police said there’s a big chance (Ramsa) was also wounded when the police retaliated,” Cariaga said.

The wife, meanwhile, was unhurt. Maricar Cinco, @maricarcincoINQ, Inquirer Southern Luzon