By CESAR JOLITO III

A police officer was injured in a broad-daylight attack near the Bacolod Central Market yesterday morning, December 22, after he was allegedly assaulted by a man armed with a steel pipe and a knife.

The Bacolod City Police Office said the incident occurred at 7:50 a.m. along Luzuriaga Street in Barangay 12, a busy area near the city’s central market.

Initial police investigation revealed that a 48-year-old police officer, a resident of Barangay Sum-ag, was walking along the street when he was suddenly hit on the head from behind with a steel pipe by 56-year-old alias “Juan,” a resident of Barangay Bata.

Authorities said “Juan” then allegedly pulled out a knife and attempted to stab the officer without any apparent provocation.

In response, the officer drew his service firearm and shot the suspect in the right leg in what police described as an act of self-defense.

Both the officer and the suspect were rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.

Their conditions were not immediately disclosed.

Police Station 1 officer-in-charge Police Captain Francis Depasucat said a follow-up investigation is underway to establish the motive behind the attack and determine possible criminal liabilities.

Appropriate charges are expected to be filed against the suspect once the investigation is completed, police added./CJ, WDJ