AFTER shooting and injuring a police officer who attempted to arrest him, a suspected drug pusher surrendered to authorities in Talisay City on Friday night, July 16, 2021.
Efren Espina, who was identified as a high-value drug target, went to the Talisay City Police Station in Barangay Poblacion at 10 p.m. He was accompanied by Staff Sgts. Adriano Bacatan and Alwin Cabunag and Corp. Fedul Fahulas.
Lt. Col. Gerald Ace Pelare, Talisay City police chief, said Espina was convinced to surrender by his uncle, Chief MSgt. Esperidion Espina, who is currently assigned as part of the Police Mobile Force Company in Central Visayas.
Espina shot and injured Patrolman Gilbert James Lusica during a foiled buy-bust in Sitio Paling-Paling, Barangay Jaclupan in the same city on Thursday, July 15.
During the operation, Espina realized that he was about to be arrested and decided to fight it out rather than be taken into custody.
While he was fleeing, Espina shot Lusica in his right arm.
The Talisay City police chief said Espina also sustained a gunshot wound in his right arm during the buy-bust.
Police failed to neutralize Espina during the shootout, as he reportedly used his six-year-old son as a human shield. (GPL / JKV)