Cop slain in Bacolod antidrug operation hailed as hero
BACOLOD CITY—A slain police officer here was hailed as a hero after he was killed in the line of duty during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Barangay Singcang-Airport on Thursday night.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said Police Master Sgt. Romulo Galvez, a highly decorated member of Police Station 9’s Drug Enforcement Team, died while conducting a buy-bust operation in front of Jade Court II along Alijis Road after a 32-year-old suspect allegedly opened fire with a .45-caliber pistol, hitting him on the right thigh.
Galvez was rushed to the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center but was declared dead at 12:08 a.m. on Friday due to hypovolemic shock secondary to a gunshot wound.
The suspect was immediately arrested, and authorities recovered from him marijuana valued at about P48,000 and a .45-caliber pistol, police said.
Charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), as well as murder and illegal possession of firearms, are being readied against the suspect.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region, said Galvez’s courage and sacrifice will be remembered.
“This is a sad day, and with heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of PMSgt. Galvez, who gave his life in the line of duty,” Ibay said in a statement.
Ibay added: “His courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and assure them of our full support in this difficult time.”
Condemnation
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region and the Bacolod City government strongly condemned the attack and assured that justice will be served.
“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,” Gasataya said.
He said Galvez had earlier in the day successfully served multiple warrants of arrest, underscoring his dedication to duty.
Gasataya described Galvez as a former Special Weapons and Tactics member and a highly decorated officer held in the highest regard by his superiors.
“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,” the mayor said.
Gasataya added that he met with Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia and Galvez’s family on Friday morning.
“We are in direct coordination with the BCPO to ensure the perpetrator is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Gasataya said.
The city government has also extended immediate assistance to Galvez’s family and pledged continued support.
“Galvez exemplified the highest standard of duty and is a true hero of Bacolod City. We honor his sacrifice by ensuring that the justice he so bravely defended is delivered absolutely and without compromise,” Gasataya added.
