CEBU CITY – Fourteen people were killed when elements of Police Regional Office-7 launched Simultaneous Enhanced Managing of Police Operations (SEMPO) or OPLAN SAWRON in Negros Oriental.
Eight from those who were killed came from Canlaon City, four died in Manjuyod while the other two came from Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.
Police Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas clarified that policemen were to serve 37 search warrants from various wanted personalities due to illegal possession of firearms.
According to Sinas, out of 31 search warrants they were able to serve, 14 were killed when said subjects resisted from arrests.
About 12 others were arrested.
Those who were killed in the operations were identified as: Steve Arapoc from Pansiao, Manjuyod; Manulo Martin of Pansiao, Manjuyod; Sonny Palagtiw of Pansiao, Manjuyod; Eric Acabal from Kandabong, Manjuyod; Edgardo Avelino, Panubigan of Canlaon City; Esmael Avelino, Panubigan of Canlaon City; Rogelio Recomono from Masulog, Canlaon City; Genes Palmares, Aquino of Canlaon City; Gonzalo Rosales of Pula, Canlaon City; Ricky Recomono, Masulog of Canlaon City; Melchor Panarez, Bayog from Canlaon City; Mario Panares of Bayog Canlaon City; Ano Enojo Rapada of San Pedro in Sta. Catalina and Franklin Lariosa, Talabak also of Sta. Catalina.
Meanwhile, a policeman, identified as Cpl. Ian Puerto, was also injured when one of the subject allegedly tried to fight back while serving the warrant of arrest in the town of Sta. Catalina.
