City to honor cop who foiled snatching attempt on teachers
ROXAS CITY – A police officer, who courageously risked his life in recovering the P1.6 million from the hands of three snatchers, is set to be honored by the city government with citation and even cash reward and will be recommended for promotion.
PO2 Dinuper Avelino, 33, a native of Roxas City and assigned at this city’s police station, will receive a plaque and citation for his bravery in capturing three gun-wielding snatchers last December 22 at around 11:a.m. in Bgry. Tiza here.
The city council, reportedly, will also give commendation to Avelino.
It was learned that Avelino was hospitalized after he incurred injuries as a result of a gunfight with the snatchers when he chased them from the Provincial park going to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Avelino sustained injuries on his head, chest and right leg. His bills with the St. Anthony College Hospital amounting to more than P40,000 was shouldered by the city government under the leadership of Mayor Vicente Bermejo.
In an interview, Avelino told The News Today (TNT) that he was about to go home when he heard from his handheld radio that three teachers were victimized by snatchers at the Capiz provincial park.
Riding his motorcycle, he immediately responded to the area where he met the three snatchers also on board a motorcycle at the rotunda.
When they reached the area fronting Philippines National Red Cross (PNRC) one of the suspects shot him six times but all the bullets missed him as he traveled his motorcycle in zigzag way.
Avelino said upon reaching the San Miguel village, he was able to fire back towards the three suspects but also failed to hit them.
He added that upon reaching the LTO the three suspects positioned to ambush him prompting him to increase his speed to bump the suspects, however, his motorcycle went out of control.
He said, he became unconscious due to injuries he suffered. He was told by bystanders that one of the suspects got his .45 pistol and shot to finish him up but luckily his gun failed to fire.
Finally, he said that the three suspects were apprehended by his fellow cop who was following him.
The three suspects are currently detained at the lock up cell of the Roxas City police station.
Police identified the three as Ronilo Eribal, 25, his brother Ryan Eribal, 21, and Rey Delos Reyes, 24.
Cases of robbery with intimidation and physical injuries had been filed against the three suspects before the city prosecutors here.