By CESAR JOLITO
A 32-year-old suspected drug pusher who allegedly shot and killed a police anti-illegal drug operative during a buy-bust operation has died while under hospital care.
Police Colonel Eugene Rebadomia, director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said the suspect passed away at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital at 5:27 a.m. on Saturday, April 11.
The suspect’s identity has been withheld pending notification of his immediate family.
Rebadomia clarified that only the family may request official medical records to determine the exact cause of death.
The suspect was implicated in the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Police Master Sergeant Romulo Galvez, Jr. during a buy-bust operation conducted outside a motel in Barangay Singcang-Airport on April 9.
According to police, the suspect was immediately brought to the hospital after authorities completed the inventory of seized drug evidence, disputing earlier claims that he died while in police custody.
Rebadomia emphasized that transporting suspects to a medical facility for examination prior to detention is part of standard police procedure.
Body-worn cameras used by operatives are expected to support the official account of events, he added.
Police said the suspect had to be confined at the hospital after exhibiting aggressive and unruly behavior, which initially prevented medical personnel from conducting a proper examination.
He reportedly sustained injuries during a struggle with officers as they attempted to disarm him following the shooting.
“The suspect strongly resisted arrest, but no firearms were used by police to subdue him,” Rebadomia said, stressing there was no intent to inflict further harm.
Authorities have reached out to the suspect’s family to offer assistance but so far have only communicated with his live-in partner.
Police are still awaiting a response from his immediate relatives.
Legal action
Rebadomia noted that the suspect’s family has the right to pursue legal action if they question the circumstances surrounding his death.
Police records also indicate that the suspect had previous complaints and was considered a known figure in illegal activities in the city.
Meanwhile, the BCPO is mourning the loss of Galvez, whose death has affected the morale of personnel.
“We did our part. I am praying this will not happen again to any of our personnel,” Rebadomia said.
Following the incident, the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region has directed a review of basic life support training among officers to ensure proper first aid response in similar situations.
Operatives were also reminded to remain vigilant and avoid complacency during police operations./CJ, WDJ