ORMOC CITY — A police officer escaped unharmed after he was fired upon by an armed suspect in Barangay Busay, Barugo, Leyte early morning of May 25, 2026, in what authorities described as a targeted attack.
The incident occurred at around 6:10 a.m. when the victim, identified as PCpl “Rex,” 36, a resident of Barugo and an active member of the Philippine National Police, was on his way home.
Police said the suspect, identified only by the alias “Reo,” 40, unemployed and also a resident of the area, allegedly blocked the officer’s path while carrying a firearm.
Initial investigation showed that the suspect confronted the officer and reportedly uttered, “Ginpe-personal mo gud ako,” before suddenly firing shots.
The officer managed to take cover behind a nearby post and returned fire, hitting the suspect on his left arm.
Following the exchange, the victim immediately alerted the Barugo Municipal Police Station (MPS) for assistance. Responding personnel later found the suspect lying on the road with a gunshot wound. Emergency responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) transported him to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the police officer was not injured during the incident.
Investigators also disclosed that the suspect had prior run-ins with the law, including a drug-related case in 2019 and a previous arrest on January 24, 2026 for alarm and scandal in relation to Republic Act 10591. He was reportedly out on bail at the time of the shooting and was listed as a monitored drug personality in the area.
Recovered from the scene were two firearms and an extra magazine allegedly in the possession of the suspect. Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the area for further evidence collection.
The Barugo MPS continues to investigate the incident to determine the full circumstances and possible motives behind the attack.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA/ROBERT DEJON)
