A POLICEMAN who was shot while trying to break up a fight in Purok Tambis, Barangay Lawis, San Remigio town, northern Cebu, died in a private hospital in Cebu City on Wednesday at 1:22 p.m.. Dec. 7, after several days of fighting for his life.
Ssgt. Jade Carabuena, 38, was responding to a fight between his neighbors that erupted at a disco party just across his house on Sunday dawn, Dec. 4, when he was shot in the head.
The bullet also damaged his brain.
He was brought to a hospital in Bogo City but was later transferred to a private hospital in Cebu City due to his critical condition.
Cebu Police Provincial Office (CCPO) Chief Col. Romel Ochave said Carabuena died of traumatic brain injury.
Ochave said the San Remigio police already filed a case of frustrated murder on Wednesday against suspects Filmar Jomao-as Menchavez and his brother Jonathan and another suspect who is still at large. Since Carabuena died, the case will be elevated to murder, Ochave added.
The Menchavez siblings were arrested by responding police officers after the incident for alarm and scandal case, while the third suspect eluded arrest.
But the police upgraded the alarm and scandal charge to frustrated murder case after some witnesses pointed to the two as the ones who aimed a gun at the back of the victim.
The CPPO will turn over P50,000 to the family of the victim, aside from the benefits that Carabuena will receive from the Philippine National Police.
Carabuena heaped praises from high-ranking police officials for responding to an alarm even if he was not on duty.
Police Regional Office 7 Director Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba condemned the killing, saying police officers in the entire Central Visayas are in grief for Carabuena’s untimely death.
Alba admired Carabuena for sacrificing his life for the sake of peace and order in his community.
Because of this, the general issued an order to all his personnel to remain vigilant when responding to an alarm. (AYB / TPT)