BACOLOD City — A man was wounded in a shootout with police after allegedly forcibly taking a security guard’s service firearm and firing at responding officers along Mansilingan-Murcia Road in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, at around 10 p.m. on October 16.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Toto,” was taken to Bacolod Adventist Medical Center for treatment after sustaining injuries during the incident.
Initial police investigation showed that the suspect allegedly forcibly took the service firearm of a 35-year-old security guard assigned to the barangay’s Open Market building.
Personnel of Police Station 7, led by Police Capt. Jay-R P. Reyes, responded after receiving a report from a concerned citizen about a shooting in front of the establishment.
Police said the responding officers encountered the suspect armed with a firearm and ordered him to surrender the weapon. However, he allegedly pointed the gun at the officers and fired at them, prompting them to return fire in self-defense.
The suspect was wounded and immediately brought to the hospital for medical attention.
The security guard, a resident of Bago City, also sustained several nonfatal injuries and received first aid at the scene, according to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
Police recovered a 9mm pistol loaded with live ammunition from the suspect.
No other injuries were reported, and authorities brought the situation under control.
The Bacolod City Police Office is continuing its investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Scene of the Crime Operatives were also requested to process the crime scene.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales commended the responding personnel for their prompt response, courage and professionalism in handling the incident.
“Swift, decisive, and relentless police response! Arrest criminals, confront lawlessness, and immediately stop those who threaten peace and public safety. No delay, no excuses,” Reales said.
He also directed police units to remain alert, responsive and prepared to address threats to public safety, emphasizing that community safety remains the Philippine National Police’s foremost priority./PN
