A ROBBERY suspect was killed by the authorities in an armed encounter at the coastal road in San Juan 2 Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City early Thursday, February 28.
Police identified the suspect as Wilson Galves, 49, of Sacred Heart Village, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.
Investigators claimed the suspect fought back when operatives tried to approach him after he fits the description given by the victim of the robbery incident in Barangay Gusa.
Police Major Julius Clark Macariola, police station 3 chief, said a certain Ian Dave Lalisan, sought help from the police after he was held-up by the suspect at the coastal road in Barangay Gusa, prompting the police to conduct follow-up operation.
The suspect took the victim’s wallet and mobile phone then left towards Lapasan area.
Macariola said the suspect fired his caliber 38 revolver towards the approaching operatives, forcing the authorities to retaliate.
None of the operatives was hit while the suspect sustained two gunshot wounds on the chest. He was rushed to the hospital but did not get there alive.
“Walay naigo sa atong operatiba kay cautious ang ilang approach kay ang report is armado and ni-fit sa description nga gihatag sa biktima. Ngitngit ang area pero dili pud zero visibility so nakita sa atong operatiba nga nibunot ug nagpabuto kini sa armas,” Macariola said.
(No one from our operatives were hurt because they made a cautious approach for according to the report the suspect is armed and he fits the description that the victim provided. The area was dark but there is no zero visibility so the operatives saw the suspect firing his gun.)
Investigators seized four sachets of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), drug paraphernalia and the suspect’s firearm. Also recovered were the victim’s wallet and cellphone.
Further investigation showed that the suspect has “Batang Mindanao 29” tattoo markings on his leg.
Macariola said they are looking into the links and involvement of the suspect to illegal drug activities and other crimes.