Cop’s hand severed in clash with armed man in Camarines Sur

LIGAO CITY — A police officer lost his left hand after an armed man attacked him with a bolo in San Jose, Camarines Sur, on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Police Col. Tyrone Dotimas, director of the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office, said Police Staff Sergeant Noli Miraña and other personnel of the San Jose Municipal Police Station responded to Zone 1 in Barangay Calalahan after receiving a report about an armed man running amok.

The suspect’s family said he had been experiencing mental health problems.

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Dotimas said the officers initially exercised maximum tolerance and tried to persuade the man to surrender peacefully.

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The suspect, however, suddenly charged at the officers and struck Miraña in the face and left hand with the bolo, severing his hand, Dotimas said.

The other officers intervened and fired their service firearms, hitting the suspect in both thighs and stopping the attack, according to Dotimas.

Miraña and the suspect were brought to the Partido District Hospital and later transferred to the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City for further treatment.

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“Miraña is now in stable condition and will undergo reconstructive surgery. We are hoping it will be successful,” Dotimas told the Inquirer in a phone interview on Sunday.

Dotimas said Miraña would be recognized for his “exemplary performance and bravery” in the line of duty.

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The suspect was also in stable condition and could face charges, including attempted murder and direct assault, Dotimas said. /mcm