TACLOBAN CITY – A cop on absence without official leave (AWOL) was shot Sunday (August 3, 2025) in Sitio Gungab, Brgy. Poblacion, Albuera, Leyte.
The victim was identified as Dexter Patun-og, 47, who has been AWOL since 2007 and is a resident of Barangay Bagong Buhay, Ormoc City.
During a cockfighting event, an unidentified suspect fired a firearm at the victim, hitting him multiple times and resulting in his immediate death. The incident triggered panic, prompting gamblers, bettors, employees, and staff of the Antonio B. Zaldivar Cockpit and Sports Center to flee in different directions.
The Albuera Municipal Police Station immediately launched an investigation and conducted a hot pursuit operation to identify and apprehend the suspect. Coordination was likewise made with nearby police stations for a dragnet operation.
To recall, the day before said incident, a village chair also from Albuera and his driver survived an ambush attack. (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail AUGUST 4-10, 2025 issue)
