COPS in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental now appear to be confronting a dangerous new challenge in their anti-drug operations.
And that challenge is the increasingly alarming phenomenon known as “nanlaban” — or suspects fighting back.
What used to be a familiar justification often associated with police narratives during anti-drug operations has now become a disturbing and detestable “new norm” in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
In a span of barely one month, two policemen — one in Bacolod City and another in Negros Occidental — were killed by drug suspects during separate anti-drug operations.
On May 11, Master Sergeant Davy Carampatana was killed during an anti-drug operation in Sitio Talaptap, Barangay Talaptap, La Castellana town.
The Isabela-native policeman, assigned to the La Castellana Municipal Police Station, was among those tasked to serve an arrest warrant against 41-year-old drug suspect Edward Acupan.
But instead of peacefully surrendering, Acupan and his 68-year-old mother, Delia, allegedly fought back.
The two reportedly stabbed the arresting officers, with Carampatana sustaining multiple stab wounds that eventually caused his death.
Rewind to April 9. Master Sergeant Romulo Galvez Jr., 43, a member of the elite Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP), was also killed during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City.
The target of the raid, Ronelo Panuncial, allegedly fought back by shooting Galvez, hitting him in the right thigh.
Galvez later died due to massive blood loss.
Bold and daring
The cases of Carampatana and Galvez reflect how bold and daring drug suspects have become nowadays.
Many of them are armed and dangerous.
Before, during anti-drug operations, suspects usually remained passive until the frisking or arrest procedures were completed.
Now, the situation appears reversed.
Suspects are becoming more aggressive, more desperate, and far more dangerous.
‘Ingat, ingat, ingat’
I spoke with Colonels Eugene Rebadomia and Dennis Wenceslao, directors of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), respectively.
I asked them what new instructions they had issued to their men in carrying out operations against drug suspects.
Rebadomia said he simply reminded his personnel never to be complacent.
“I told my policemen to always have contingency plans and ensure safety first before effecting any arrest of any drug suspect,” Rebadomia said.
For his part, Wenceslao said there were no new instructions except a constant reminder to his men: “Ingat, ingat, ingat” — careful, careful, careful.
‘Fabricated defense’
Before, the term “nanlaban” was often criticized as a “fabricated defense” or a “copy-pasted narrative” used by policemen to justify the killing of drug suspects during the height of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, or “tokhang.”
Now, however, “nanlaban” appears to be a grim reality on the part of drug suspects themselves — individuals who seem to have fully internalized the meaning of the word.
Ironically, what was once viewed as a systemic justification by law enforcers has now evolved into an actual deadly response from suspects.
So what now is the cure?
Revisit protocols
Police authorities have little choice but to revisit and strengthen their safety protocols in conducting anti-drug operations.
Thorough planning and preparation are absolute necessities.
Anti-drug operations are inherently risky. Operatives assigned to these missions are presumed to have undergone specialized training to handle dangerous and high-pressure situations.
Coordination with support units — and even with community stakeholders in areas where raids are to be conducted — is equally crucial.
The use of protective gear and tactical equipment must also become a priority before any operation is carried out.
Could be shameful
The deaths of Carampatana and Galvez may be viewed as embarrassing setbacks for both the Bacolod City Police Office and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.
But moving forward, these tragic incidents should serve as profound lessons for policemen to become even more cautious and more prepared while performing their duties during anti-drug operations.
Because if this detestable “new norm” continues unchecked, it would become a serious blow — even a slap in the face — to local law enforcement agencies.
Hopefully, there will be no repeat of the fates suffered by Carampatana and Galvez.
Because if there is a “strike three,” it may be unforgiving./PN
