A POLICEMAN was shot and wounded after an inmate escaped from custody in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, the police reported on Thursday, June 14.
Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the wounded policeman as Police Officer 3 (PO3) Romel Dela Cruz of Tungawan municipal police station.
Galvez said that Dela Cruz was shot and wounded by Joemar Banggi Aukasa around 9:55 a.m., Wednesday, June 13, at the police headquarters of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Galvez said Aukasa is listed as the Top 7 Most Wanted Person in the town of Tungawan.
She said investigation showed that Aukasa escaped and took the service firearm of PO1 Mohammad Nur Alamia while PO2 Aaiel Floren was taking his fingerprint inside the investigation room.
Before fleeing, Aukasa shot Dela Cruz, who was standing in the front desk.
Galvez said a pursuit operation was launched in a bid to recapture Aukasa, who has standing warrant of arrest for three-count murder.
She said Dela Cruz was rushed to the Ipil Hospital for treatment. (SunStar Philippines)