By CESAR JOLITO III

The Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is investigating an alleged violent stabbing of a 21-year-old man and an attack against a police officer with two knives at Barangay 3 in Negros Occidental’s San Carlos City on Sunday afternoon, July 27.

PRO-NIR director, Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, ordered a full and impartial probe into the incident to determine if standard protocols were followed.

“The safety of our personnel is non-negotiable. Tactical gear like bulletproof vests is essential — not optional,” Ibay said.

He also reminded officers to wear full protective gear in high-risk operations.

Initial police investigation showed the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Roy “Bulljack” Mosquera, allegedly stabbed 21-year-old Jomenel Sotes inside their home at around 12:45 p.m.

The victim’s mother, Jocelyn Sotes, sought police help after sustaining a hand injury while intervening.

San Carlos police said their personnel encountered the suspect brandishing two knives.

A tense confrontation erupted when a suspect turned violent against responding law enforcers.

During the attempted de-escalation, Mosquera reportedly lunged at Police Corporal Nelson Caballero, forcing the officer to shoot the suspect in the left knee to neutralize the threat.

Both the victim and suspect were brought to the San Carlos City Hospital for treatment.

Recovered from the scene were two bladed weapons used in the attack.

The incident was documented through police-issued body-worn cameras.

Mosquera now faces charges of frustrated murder and direct assault on a person in authority./CJ, WDJ