THE chief of San Jose Municipal Police Station in Northern Samar died on Monday, October 26, after his left thigh was accidentally cut by a gaff (tari) while pursuing the suspects who were engaging in illegal cockfighting or "tupada" in the town.

Lieutenant Christian Bolok was immediately brought to Northern Samar Provincial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician, Dr. Soccoro Siervo.

The gaff, which he tried to confiscate as evidence, caused serious injury to his femoral artery, resulting in his death.

Police arrested three violators, while three others eluded arrest during the anti-illegal gambling operation around 1:30 p.m. Monday in Barangay Mandugang, San Jose.

Confiscated from the violators' possession and control were seven fighting cocks, two pieces of gaffs, and bet money amounting to P550.

Meanwhile, the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and relatives of the deceased.

"The Northern Samar Police Provincial Office grieves with the sudden death of Lieutenant Christian Bolok, officer in-charge of San Jose Municipal Police Station who paid ultimate sacrifice in the name of service," read a statement from NSPPO. (SunStar Philippines)