DAVAO CITY –– Operatives of the Bunawan, Agusan del Sur police killed fellow police officer on Sunday, December 8, after he allegedly resisted arrest.
A report published by the Philippine News Agency stated that Patrolman Jhon Paul J. Gerida died on the spot in a shootout with fellow member of his organization after he reportedly refused to surrender and instead fired on arresting officer Saturday around 10:35 a.m.
On Saturday, December 7, the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) reported that Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office (ADSPPO) has launched a manhunt against Gerida for shooting his superior officer Police Lt. Col. Rex Lomente on Friday night December 6.
Earlier reports claim, Gerida, who was allegedly drunk shot Lomente after a heated argument at their barracks in Bunawan.
Gerida, a member of the 2nd Agusan del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company based in Barangay Bunawan Brook, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur while Lomente is the commander of 2nd Agusan del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company based in Bunawan town.
Reports have claimed, Lomente called Gerida to report to his office but after several minutes, gunfire was heard from the Lomente’s office, the police report said.
Members of the mobile force immediately rushed inside the office and found the officer with a gunshot wound in the head, police said.
Gerida escaped while Lomente was rushed to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City, where he is undergoing medical treatment.
Colonel Ringo Zarzoso, Agusan del Sur police director said they have set up checkpoints in the towns of Bunawan, Rosario, Trento and other areas in Agusan del Sur to find Gerida.
On Sunday, Gerida, a resident of Purok 6, Barangay Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte , was killed. He served the PNP for more then four years.
In a statement, it said the PRO-13 said the action against Gerida showed that the police in Caraga Region will not hesitate to implement the law even if those involved in breaking it are its members
Recovered from the scene was a .45 caliber pistol with a magazine loaded with ammunition and two fired cartridges, police said.-jap with PNA report
