ILOILO City — The knife-wielding passenger shot by police at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo on January 28 is expected to face multiple criminal charges, even as the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) conducts a parallel investigation into the resisting-arrest incident that led to the discharge of a police firearm inside the terminal.
Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan said authorities are preparing to file cases against Roland Lañojan of Sagay, Camiguin for attempted homicide, direct assault, and grave threat, with additional charges also being considered based on the outcome of the investigation.
“We are also looking into possible charges of resistance and disobedience to persons in authority, as well as alarm and scandal, depending on the elements established during the investigation,” Razalan said.
Razalan added that Lañojan, who was shot in the shoulder (initial report stated the bullet grazed the armpit) during the incident, remains hospitalized but is now in stable condition, citing the latest medical bulletin.
In a statement, PRO-6 confirmed that the incident occurred at around 4:44 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28, at the airport’s central security screening checkpoint (boarding area).
Initial reports showed that the 54-year-old suspect – a Cebu-based security guard by profession – refused to undergo mandatory security inspection after an X-ray scan detected a bladed weapon inside his bag.
During police intervention, the suspect resisted, thereby posing an imminent threat, and this prompted a responding officer to fire his issued weapon.
“The officer acted to neutralize a perceived and immediate danger to passengers and airport personnel,” PRO-6 said, stressing that the use of force was guided by standard operating procedures.
The suspect was immediately given first aid by airport medical staff and transported to the Western Visayas Sanitarium Hospital in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, before being referred to the Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City for further treatment.
PRO-6 emphasized that a thorough investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Due process will be strictly observed, and accountability will be enforced if warranted,” the regional police said.
Authorities also reassured the public that heightened security measures remain in place at Iloilo International Airport, reiterating their commitment to public safety, professionalism, and transparency as the case progresses./PN
