THE number 1 most wanted person who was accused of killing Police Corporal Ryan Baculi during a buy-bust died in a shootout with policemen at around 6:15 a.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, in Purok 2 Campo, Barangay Tapul, Talisay City.
The members of the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Cebu Police Provincial Office were about to serve the arrest warrant against the suspect, 25-year-old Jenecy Rafols, also known as Atong Bacalso Rafols, when the latter pulled out a gun and shot Police Corporal Rodgie Louell Montejo.
However, the police retaliated and shot Rafols, killing him.
Montejo was rushed to the hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound in the shoulder.
The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Estela Alma Singco-Caruso of Cebu City Regional Trial Court branch 12 dated November 9, 2023, with no bail recommended.
The police recovered the .45 pistol used by Rafols.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, the Police Regional Office (PRO 7) spokesperson, stated that Ramil Eliguin, the owner of the house in Tapul where the suspect was hiding, as well as Rafols' girlfriend, were also taken into custody during the operation.
In a media interview, Eliguin denied coddling Rafols, claiming that the latter went to his home to seek dental treatment.
He told SunStar Cebu that he used katsobong, a medicinal plant whose leaves resemble marijuana, to treat toothaches.
According to Eliquin, Rafols requested to spend some time with his girlfriend at his hut.
"Nagpatambal na siyag ngipon gidala na sa iyang barkada ngari nya wala man ko kabalo nga wanted diay ni siya, nahadlok nalang pud ko kay naa man gud siyay armas," matod ni Eliguin.
(He was having his teeth treated. His friend brought him here. I had no idea he was wanted. I was just afraid since he was armed).
Pelare, however, asserted that despite Eliquin's justification, he could still face charges of obstruction of justice.
The PRO 7 started keeping an eye on Rafols’ movement after learning from someone that the suspect went up to the mountain barangay of Tapul last December 8, 2023.
"This is a mixture of human intelligence as well as we are utilizing technology kining gitawag natog signal intelligence. Gigamitan nato og technology para sa pag conduct sa hot pursuit operation," Pelare said.
The police expressed confidence that they would apprehend Salazar as well.
Pelare claimed that Rafols' demise meant that Baculi had received justice.
The PRO 7 promised to honor the police officers connected to Rafols's death, including Corporal Montejo with an award.
The 32-year-old Baculi, from Aloguinsan town, was killed during a buy-bust in Sitio Pagtambayayong, Barangay Kinasang-an, Cebu City on November 15, 2023.
Baculi was member of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU 7).
He served as the poseur buyer in the anti-illegal drug operation.
The operation’s targets were Rafols and Ramil “Namol” Salazar, both residing in Sitio Pagtambayayong.
In the course of the buy-bust, the suspects were alerted that a police officer was involved.
While approaching Rafols and Salazar, Baculi was shot. (With TPT)