By CESAR JOLITO III
A police operative was shot dead during an anti-drug operation outside a motel along Alijis Road in Bacolod City’s Barangay Singcang-Airport late Thursday night, April 9.
Police Master Sergeant Romulo Galvez, a member of the Station Drug Enforcement Team, was shot in the right thigh by the 32-year-old suspect who reportedly drew a .45 caliber firearm.
Galvez was immediately rushed to a hospital but was declared dead at 12:08 a.m. yesterday.
Medical reports indicated that 43-year-old Galvez succumbed to hypovolemic shock caused by the gunshot wound.
Meanwhile, the suspect was subdued and arrested at the scene by responding operatives.
Seized from his possession were a sachet of suspected marijuana used in the buy-bust, four additional sachets of suspected marijuana, a marked P500 bill, a coin purse, and a caliber .45 pistol loaded with five rounds of ammunition.
The total value of the confiscated drugs was estimated at P48,000.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as for murder and illegal possession of firearms.
Grief
In a statement, Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), expressed grief over Galvez’s death, honoring his service and sacrifice.
He also assured that full support would be extended to the bereaved family and that justice would be pursued.
PRO-NIR condemned the killing and reaffirmed their commitment to intensify operations against illegal drugs and criminality in the region.
Meanwhile, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a police operative, calling it a direct attack on law enforcement and public safety.
Gasataya emphasized that the city government will not tolerate violence against law enforcers and assured that justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
He also confirmed that the city has extended immediate assistance to Galvez’s family and will continue to support them.
Earlier that day, Galvez had successfully served several warrants of arrest, underscoring his dedication to duty.
A former SWAT member, he was regarded as a highly decorated officer by his superiors.
The mayor described Galvez as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in Bacolod City’s ongoing fight against illegal drugs and criminality./CJ, WDJ