• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A police anti-drug operative died during a buy-bust after he was shot by a suspected drug peddler along Alijis Road, Barangay Singcang-Airport in Bacolod City Thursday, April 10.
The victim, PMSg Romulo Galvez, a member of the Drug Enforcement Team of Bacolod City Police Office Station 9, succumbed to a gunshot wound in the right thigh.
He was brought to the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center, where he was declared dead at 12:08 a.m. on Friday, according to the Police Regional Office- Negros Island Region.
The 32-year-old armed suspect was arrested by the colleagues of Galvez.
A caliber .45 pistol with a magazine containing five ammunition and suspected dried marijuana cigarettes with an estimated market value of P48,000 were seized from the suspect.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya condemned what he called a senseless act of violence against law enforcers.
“An attack on our police force is a direct attack on the safety, security, and peace of every Bacolodnon, and it is a challenge we will not leave unanswered,” he added.
Gasataya described Galvez, a former member of the elite Special Weapons and Tactics unit, and a highly decorated police officer, as someone whose superiors held in the absolute highest regard.
Prior to the incident, the mayor said that Galvez had successfully served multiple arrest warrants.
“He died a hero in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice in our city’s ongoing pursuit of peace, justice, and the eradication of the illegal drug trade. His bravery will not be forgotten,” Gasataya said. “We honor his sacrifice by ensuring that the justice he so bravely defended is delivered absolutely and without compromise.”
In a statement, PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of PRO-NIR, who expressed grief over the tragic incident, assured the family of Galvez of full support.
“His courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Ibay said.
Murder, violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and illegal possession of firearms charges are being readied for filing against the suspect. | GB
