BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO and MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO — A suspect in the killing of a police officer in the municipality of Pototan early on Monday was fatally wounded during a shootout with pursuing policemen in Barangay Sohoton, Barotac Nuevo town.
Michael Solis, 41, of Barangay Polot-an, Pototan succumbed to gunshot wounds after engaging in gunfire with officers from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) and the Pototan police station.
According to Major Jose Rey Pabalan, police chief of Pototan, the confrontation occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m., Monday, inside a friend’s house where Solis hid.
As officers attempted to apprehend him, Solis fired his weapon, striking a police corporal, said Pabalan.
Fortunately, the officer, protected by a bulletproof vest, sustained only minor injuries.
The police returned fire, resulting in Solis’ death.
According to Police Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson for the IPPO, Solis, feeling trapped, attempted to escape and, in the process, fired at the police officer.
A .45 caliber pistol was recovered from Solis’ possession. This was believed to be the weapon he used to kill Police Corporal Reo Manero of Janiuay, Iloilo, who was assigned to the Pototan police station.
Pabalan told Panay News, “He (Solis) had no intention of surrendering because he simply would not. Our officer was hit when he fired, but thankfully, the bulletproof vest spared him from serious injury.”
Solis was positively identified as the assailant who fatally shot Manero.
Manero had been conducting surveillance on Solis, who had pending criminal charges including acts of lasciviousness, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted murder.
Manero sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and head.
After shooting Manero, Solis, reportedly on his motorcycle, headed to his friend’s place in Barotac Nuevo.
Following a tip-off about Solis’ whereabouts, law enforcement initiated a hot pursuit operation.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), praised the IPPO’s quick and decisive efforts to apprehend the suspect.
“We are grateful for the swift action of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office leadership, which led to the prompt resolution of this case. On the other hand, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Police Corporal Reo Manero and will provide the necessary financial support and assistance to expedite their access to the benefits due to our fallen colleague,” Wanky said./PN
