DAVAO CITY – The police are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the suspects responsible for the attacking and shooting death of two police officers at the Calinan Police Station. The slain officers were identified as Police Senior Master Sergeant Tito Lague and Police Corporal Mark Anthony Corsino.
The incident occurred last Wednesday afternoon in response to a reported disturbance in Purok 4, Barangay Lacson, Calinan District, Davao City. All the suspects involved belong to the Matigsalug tribe.
The primary suspect, Benao Landas, was joined by his father, Datu Angelito Landas, in a Panaburan kon Bay Tambanlanan, a ritual of the Matigsalug tribe. According to Datu Angelito, he believes his son was possessed by an evil spirit, which led him to commit the crime.
However, the police are not convinced that the suspects were acting under the influence of charms or supernatural forces. Police Major Ricky Obenza, the chief at Calinan Police Station, stated that the suspect admitted to not being in the right state of mind during the incident. He mentioned that Benao, his uncle, performed a ritual on him, causing him to lose consciousness temporarily.
The police launched a hot pursuit operation, and during the pursuit, the suspects were not harmed despite being shot at. Both officers, Lague and Corsino, sustained injuries during the attack.
In addition to the suspects, the driver of the mobile patrol, Donald Ombrete, and Police Corporal Ken Leo Gumanoy were also injured during the incident. They are currently receiving medical treatment at the Southern Philippines Medical Center for their injuries.
Police successfully killed Landas and arrested Masacay. Police Major Ricky Obenza confirmed that they apprehended Masacay after a thorough pursuit.
The case against Masacay has been filed, charging him with multiple murder, frustrated murder, and direct assault. Police authorities remain determined to bring all those involved in the attack to justice.
As the investigation continues, the Calinan Police Station is calling for the cooperation of witnesses and the public in providing any valuable information related to the incident. The tragedy has deeply affected the entire community, and authorities are committed to seeking justice for the fallen officers and their families.
