Cop Dead, 2 Others Wounded in Drug Buy-Bust Operation in La Castellana

Police Regional Office Negros Islands Region (PRO NIR) expresses deep sorrow over the death of a police non-commissioned officer and the injury of two other personnel during a buy-bust operation conducted late Monday evening, May 11, 2026, in Sitio Talaptap, Barangay Talaptap, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

Personnel of the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of La Castellana Municipal Police Station led by PMAJ Romulo G. Gepilango, COP, conducted an anti-illegal drug operation against identified Street Level Individual (SLI) Edward Acupan, 41 years old.

During the implementation of the operation and while effecting the arrest of the suspect, Acupan violently resisted and suddenly attacked the operating personnel using a double-bladed weapon. His mother, identified as Delia Acupan, 68 years old, allegedly joined the attack and repeatedly stabbed the police operatives.

As a result, PCPT Michael Muñez, Deputy Chief of Police, sustained multiple stab wounds and is currently confined at Bacolod Doctors Hospital in stable condition. PCpl Gerson Guache sustained minor injuries, while PMSg Davy Carampatana sustained fatal stab wounds and was declared dead on arrival at the La Castellana Rural Health Unit by the attending physician.

The primary suspect, Edward Acupan, also sustained injuries during the incident and is presently confined at the La Castellana Rural Health Unit under police custody. Delia Acupan is likewise under the custody of the station pending the filing of appropriate criminal charges.

Recovered from the operation were several sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated street drug price amounting to Php 47,600.00, buy-bust money, drug paraphernalia, and bladed weapons believed to have been used during the attack.

PBGen Romano V. Cardiño, Acting Regional Director of PRO NIR, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen police officer.

“We mourn the untimely death of PMSg Davy 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,” PBGEN Cardiño said.

He assured the families of the slain and injured personnel that the organization will provide all necessary assistance and support during this difficult time.

PBGen Cardiño likewise reminded all police personnel to exercise maximum caution and vigilance in the conduct of police operations, especially during high-risk anti-criminality and anti-illegal drug operations.

The crime scene was immediately secured, and coordination with Regional Forensic Unit NIR was conducted for proper crime scene processing and documentation. Investigation and filing of appropriate charges against the suspects are ongoing.* (PRO NIR)