PHILIPPINE National Police chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. has underscored anew the primordial duty of each and every member of the 226,000-strong force to strictly follow the rule of law but be ready to defend themselves when confronted by armed and defiant criminals.

At present, the PNP chief said that the PNP has embarked on another strategy to address criminality specifically illegal drug trafficking and abuse.

“We aim to utilize a more holistic approach in combating crimes which would involve the church and the community through our Kasimbayanan program. The PNP however, cannot promise a zero casualty in its police operations, the safety of our personnel is also a priority,” he said.

“They need to defend themselves when attacked or the life of innocent civilian are on the line but with the strict observance of human rights at all times. We are keen on observing different approaches on our anti-crime campaign to minimize, if not avoid, armed confrontations in our police operations,” Gen. Azurin added.

The PNP chief maintained the need for policemen to defend themselves from armed suspects as two known drug traffickers in Davao City were killed in separate gunfights with undercover officers on Wednesday.

There is also the case of Staff Sergeant Rudy Amihan Jr. of the M’lang Municipal Police Station in Cotabato who was killed in a gunbattle with heavily-armed robbers on the same day.

Two other policemen identified as Patrolman Noli Labesores and Pat. Herzon Neyra were also wounded during the series of clashes which also left four of the suspects dead, said Police Regional Office 12 director, Brigadier Gen. Jimili L. Macaraeg.

“Sergeant Amihan died with his boots on, in the finest police tradition of valor, service and sacrifice to serve and protect the people,” Gen. Azurin said as he assured the speedy release of all benefits due to the to the family of the fallen cop.

In Southern Mindanao, PRO11 director, Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Silo Jr. said that one of the suspects identified as Roberto Cuamag alias ‘Bobet,’27, was killed while his cohort John Greco Aboymen alias ‘Gook,’23, was arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in Barangay 21-C, Davao City 5:48 a.m. Wednesday.

The official said that recovered from the suspects were some four grams of shabu valued at P27,200 and nearly 2,400 worth of dried marijuana leaves.

Brig. Gen. Silo said that the two suspects who were described as ‘small-level individuals’ conspired to sell drugs to an undercover officer of the Davao City Police Station 1 Drug Enforcement Unit headed by Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Lao.

However, Cuamag apparently sensed they were dealing with a cop and escaped inside their house at Block 91 in Purok 91 where he later fired shots at pursuing officers triggering the shootout.

The suspect who yielded a caliber .38 revolver with two live ammunition and three spent cartridges was hit in the body and taken to the Southern Philippines Medical Center where an attending physician declared him dead upon arrival. His cohort was arrested and is now facing charges for sale and possession of prohibited drugs under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Brig. Gen. Silo said that the duo were also believed to be involved in a string of robbery-holdup cases in the city.

The 2nd suspect identified as John Carlo Telleros died after exchanging shots with Davao City Police Station 15 officers led by Lt. Alfree Jay Caminade along Curadang Street in Lanzona Subdivision in Matina Aplaya past 11 p.m. last Tuesday.

The suspect yielded an estimated P13,000 worth of shabu and marijuana, a marked P500 bill and a cal. .38 pistol with two spent cartridges.

Brig. Gen. Silo said that a 4th suspect identified as Teddy Castañeda, another ‘high-value target’ in Southern Mindanao was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Purok 7, Roman Diaz Extension in Calinan District past 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Officers confiscated an estimated P15,000 worth of shabu from the 48-year old suspect who is now also facing non-bailable charges for violation of RA 9165.