By Louie B. Oranda |
SURIGAO CITY – The ranks of the police force in the Caraga Region are in mourning after one of their members was killed when a drug suspect resisted arrest during a buy-bust operation recently at around 10:30 p.m. (May 6, 2026) in Purok 2, Sitio Cayutan, Barangay Cagniog in this city.
In an official statement, PRO 13 Regional Director PBGen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV of the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) expressed condolences to the family of Police Staff Sergeant Charito Gepulla, 38, while extended assistance to Patrolman John Paul Lesmoras, 26, (wounded) both members of the Surigao del Norte Drug Enforcement Unit (SPDEU).
The police successfully arrested their targets, identified as alias “Ronron,” 23, and his companion alias “Ric,” 45, during the buy-bust operation. However, as the suspects were being handcuffed, alias Ronron reportedly grabbed the firearm of PSSG Gepulla.
The incident escalated quickly, allowing both suspects to escape. PSSG Gepulla was fatally wounded, while Patrolman Lesmoras sustained a grazing injury.
A hot pursuit operation was immediately launched across Surigao Province. Both suspects later surrendered voluntarily. Alias “Ric” surrendered at the Surigao City Police Station at around 6:30 a.m. on May 7, while alias “Ronron,” who resisted arrest, surrendered at the Tubajon Municipal Police Station at around 8:30 p.m. on the same day.
The two suspects are facing charges of murder, frustrated murder, and violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.