CATPPO photo
A former job-order worker recently arrested in a drug buy-bust operation will face an additional charge for trying to escape, the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office said last week.
In a statement, PNP Provincial Director PCol. Elmer R. Cereno stated that in addition to the existing drug charges against the Person Under Police Custody (PUPC), a new case for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or the Agents of Such Person) is currently being prepared against the latter.
He noted the unfortunate incident that led to injury of PUPC but emphasized that the immediate re-arrest was necessary to ensure the suspect did not evade the law.
“While we are saddened by the incident, CatPPO remains committed to upholding the rights and safety of the community. We assure the public of a fair and transparent investigation into the conduct of our personnel while ensuring that those in our custody remain answerable to the justice system,” he added.
Meanwhile, the involved police officer and his 9mm service firearm have been subjected to a formal examination in accordance with standard PNP operating procedures.
According to official reports, at about 10:30 AM of Jan. 19, 2026, personnel of Pandan Municipal Police Station (MPS) were preparing to transport the PUPC to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Virac for a scheduled preliminary investigation.
As the handcuffed suspect was being boarded onto the PNP patrol vehicle, he suddenly attempted to grab the sling bag of one of the escorting officers.
After a brief scuffle, the suspect pushed the officer away and fled toward the rear portion of the PLDC building, with law enforcers in pursuit.
During the chase, the officer concerned discharged his service firearm, hitting the fleeing suspect in the upper right knee.
Despite the injury, the suspect continued to run before being cornered and re-arrested by pursuing units.
The PUPC was immediately rushed to the Pandan District Hospital for medical treatment. He has since been declared out of danger and was able to attend legal proceedings in the afternoon.
A fired cartridge case was recovered at the scene by investigators, who will submit the fired gun for ballistic examination at the Provincial Forensic Unit where the officer will also undergo paraffin test.
Pandan MPS confirmed that the individual was originally arrested on January 8, 2026, for violations of R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
The Tribune had earlier reported that twin charges for violation of the dangerous drug law had been filed against a Pandan LGU casual worker, later identified by witnesses as Joseph Lopez Luna, 39, of Tariwara.
Joint personnel of the Pandan police station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit confiscated as evidence two plastic sachets containing while crystalline substance believed to be shabu that was sold to an undercover police office, one more sachet containing the same material found in his possession, two genuine P500 bills and four fake bills used as boodle money, a cellphone and a motorcycle.