A policeman with the rank of corporal was wounded in a buy-bust operation in Pavia, Iloilo as a drug suspect fought back.

The cop is already out of danger, as of this writing, but is yet at the hospital.

He was hit reportedly in the belly.

Surveillance on the suspect took a few months prior to the operation of the Pavia Police of a high-value individual identified as John Jun Jinco of Barangay Anilao, Pavia afternoon on January 22, 2026.

The policeman, who posed as buyer, transacted for 70 grams of suspected shabu worth P476,000. However, the suspect took notice that he was transacting with a policeman, he attempted to evade arrest, and shot the policeman using a homemade 12-gauge shotgun.

“But nang tumakbo siya, sabay bunot ng kanyang baril at hinabol siya ng mga personnel. Unfortunately, noong nag-grappling, nabaril ng subject ang isang operative,” Lt. Col. Rolando Araño, spokesperson of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, said.

The suspect was arrested and is facing charges for distribution of illegal drugs and for shooting the policeman.