Cops, sheriff hurt in Cagayan demolition

By Raymund Catindig

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan  —  Seven police officers and a court sheriff were injured in a clash with informal settlers during a demolition in Sitio Racat, Barangay Rapuli, Sta. Ana, Cagayan on Wednesday.

Patrolman Jessy Pascual, Staff Sgts. Derick Saliganan, Mario Udarbe Jr., Clarence Lansang and Marlon Blanquera; Cpl. Jezrael Jove, Patrolwoman Hazel Joyce Simangan, and sheriff George Balao were taken to the Sta. Ana Community Hospital for treatment. 

Reports said personnel of the civil disturbance management team who accompanied Balao in implementing the demolition order was attacked by bolo-wielding residents, who also hurled molotov bombs, animal feces and stones at them.

Sixteen informal settlers were arrested.