THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will review its standard operating procedures for responding to dangerous situations following an incident in Camarines Sur in which a police officer almost lost his hand while subduing a man who was reportedly running amok.
Police Staff Sergeant Noli Miraña is recovering in a hospital after his left hand was severed when he was attacked with a bolo by a man described as mentally challenged on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
PNP Public Information Office Acting Chief Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said doctors successfully reattached Miraña’s hand.
“A report came in about a person carrying a bolo in an area where our police officers responded. Unfortunately, he was struck before the suspect could be subdued. His hand was severed, but fortunately, doctors were able to reattach it. We were told that the two major arteries in his hand were also successfully reconnected,” Co said in Tagalog.
“We are hoping that he can regain, if not 100 percent use of his hand, at least some movement or functionality,” he added.
The suspect is now in stable condition after responding officers shot him in the thighs to stop him from moving.
Meanwhile, Major Aiman Pantaran was killed on August 23 during an anti-loose firearms operation in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
Pantaran, an intelligence officer, sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and armpit after the subject of the operation engaged police officers in a gunfight.
The PNP leadership assured that Miraña and Pantaran would receive the benefits and assistance due to police officers who are injured or killed in the line of duty.
The incidents prompted the PNP to consider possible changes to its operational procedures, including the use of additional protective equipment, such as shields, during high-risk police responses.
Co said police already follow a force continuum when dealing with individuals who pose a threat. Officers are expected to use only the amount of force necessary and proportionate to the level of danger they face.
This may begin with the presence of police officers as a deterrent, followed by verbal warnings and other measures. If the situation escalates, officers may use nonlethal options such as batons and Tasers, when appropriate.
The PNP is also looking into acquiring additional logistics and nonlethal equipment to help officers handle volatile situations while minimizing the risk of serious injury.
For the PNP, the incidents underscore the dangers faced by police officers on the front lines and the need to continuously review and improve response procedures.
The review is expected to focus on how officers can safely manage dangerous and unpredictable situations while protecting both police personnel and the public. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)