A policeman was killed and two others, including a police official, were injured during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Talaptap, Barangay Talaptap, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Monday evening, May 11, 2026.
Victims and Suspects Identified
The fatality was identified as Master Sergeant Davy Carampatana, 38, a member of the drug enforcement team of La Castellana Municipal Police Station and a resident of Isabela, Negros Occidental. Injured were Captain Michael Muñez, the deputy chief of La Castellana Municipal Police, and Corporal Gerson Guache.
Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the Public Information Office of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said personnel of the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) led by Major Romulo Gepilango conducted an anti-illegal drug operation against identified Street Level Individual Edward Acupan, 41 years old.
Attack During Arrest
During the operation, while effecting the arrest of the suspect, Acupan violently resisted and suddenly attacked the operating personnel using a double-bladed weapon. His mother, Delia Acupan, 68, allegedly joined the attack and repeatedly stabbed the police operatives.
Muñez, Guache, and Carampatana sustained stab wounds. They were rushed to a hospital, but Carampatana did not survive. Muñez and Guache are now in stable condition.
Suspects in Custody
Malong said the primary suspect, Edward Acupan, also sustained injuries during the incident and is currently confined at the La Castellana Rural Health Unit under police custody. Acupan's mother, Delia, is likewise in the station's custody pending the filing of appropriate criminal charges.
Recovered from the operation were several sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of PHP 47,600, marked money, drug paraphernalia, and bladed weapons believed to have been used during the attack.
Gepilango said that in September 2019, Acupan was also charged for violation of illegal possession of firearms. He was also involved in several robbery incidents in Negros Occidental.
Condolences from Police Officials
Brigadier General Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR acting regional director, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen police officer. “We mourn the untimely death of Carampatana, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. For me, he is a hero; his courage and dedication in the service of the people will never be forgotten,” Cardiño said.
Cardiño assured the families of the slain and injured personnel that the organization will provide all necessary assistance and support during this difficult time. He also reminded all police personnel to exercise maximum caution and vigilance in conducting police operations, especially during high-risk anti-criminality and anti-illegal drug operations.
