By CESAR JOLITO III

A police officer killed in an encounter linked to the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town was laid to rest on Saturday, December 13, as authorities vowed to continue operations to bring those responsible to justice.

Police Senior Master Sergeant Rommel Aguilar, 45 years old, a member of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company, was honored with full police funeral rites in his hometown of Toboso.

Personnel of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office rendered a solemn 21-gun salute in recognition of his service and sacrifice.

In a statement, the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) paid tribute to Aguilar, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose commitment, honor and sense of duty would continue to inspire the ranks of the Philippine National Police and the wider community.

Family members, friends and fellow police officers gathered to honor Aguilar’s years of service, courage and selflessness.

Senior police officials, including Negros Occidental police director Police Colonel Dennis Wenceslao and PRO-NIR Deputy Regional Director for Operations Police Colonel Lito Patay, attended the necrological service to express solidarity with the bereaved family.

Aguilar was found dead in Barangay Laga-an, Calatrava, hours after he was reported missing on December 7.

Police said he had figured in a brief firefight with unidentified armed men in Barangay Menchaca while conducting a police operation against a wanted individual.

Earlier on the same day, a 59-year-old civilian was also shot dead in Barangay Dolis, Calatrava. Authorities said the victim was tagged by NPA rebels as an alleged military asset.

PRO-NIR and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office strongly denounced the killings, calling them “senseless attacks targeting civilians and government personnel.”/CJ, WDJ