A POLICE operation to build up a case against a rogue policeman believed to be dealing in illegal drugs resulted in the killing of two persons Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, in Cordova town, Cebu.
The former policeman and a companion were able to escape the pursuing law enforcers. Two others were arrested.
Cordova Police Chief Efren Diaz Jr. said police were trying to build a case against a former policeman, Lowel “Boyet” Pacallago, when the shootout happened.
Police Captain Diaz said a surveillance was being conducted following reports that Pacallago was sighted in the residence of a certain Arveth Arvillon in Barangay Bangbang, Cordova.
When Cordova police arrived in the area, Pacallago, Arvillon and four others were said to be having a pot session in a nearby secluded grassy area near Arvillon’s house, Diaz said.
Diaz said the group of Pacallago fired first, resulting in the gunfight. Killed were Arvillon and Arnel Macan, both of Barangay Bangbang, Cordova.
Pacallago and another suspect were able to escape.
Diaz said Pacallago and the other suspect were able to escape to the mangrove as responding policemen were unfamiliar with the area.
Cordova police sought the assistance of the Provincial Intelligence Bureau (PIB), the Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Cebu Police Provincial Office in the pursuit operations.
PIB chief Marlu Conag said Pacallago is familiar with the area and knows how to use a firearm based on the exchange of gunfire.
“Pacallago’s gunshots showed he knows how to use a firearm. When we arrived, they were hiding in the mangrove area and, when we approached, they already escaped to the other side,” Police Lt. Col. Conag said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
Conag appealed to residents to cooperate with the police and let them know the whereabouts of Pacallago.
Arrested were George Macan, brother of the deceased Macan, and a certain Gerlin Perocillo. Macan and Perocillo admitted they took part in the pot session but they denied having any affiliation with Pacallago.
Diaz said Pacallago is a high value target (HVT) in the provincial level and was long wanted by the police after he went on absence without official leave (Awol).
“Arvillon is actually an HVT in the municipal level. Pacallago is one of the big operators. One reason he went on Awol was because he was on the watchlist. We are still looking into his links and if he did not stop, if he continued with his operation,” Diaz said. MVG