A highly decorated member of the Bacolod City Police Office was killed in the line of duty during an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City, Mayor Greg Gasataya said on Friday, April 10.
PMSgt. Romulo Galvez of Police Station 9 was conducting a buy-bust operation in front of Jade Court II along Alijis Road on Thursday night when a 32-year-old suspect opened fire with a .45 caliber pistol hitting him on the right thigh.
Galvez, a member of the Station 9 Drug Enforcement Team , was immediately rushed to the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center but he was declared dead at about 12:08 a.m. Friday, due to hypovolemic shock secondary to a gunshot wound.
The suspect was immediately arrested and recovered from him was marijuana estimated to cost P48,000 and .45 caliber pistol, the police reported.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), as well as for murder and illegal possession of firearms, are being readied against the suspect, the police said.
PBGen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, Police Regional Office Negros Island Region director, said “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”.
“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”, he added.
The police and the mayor called Galvez a hero and assured that justice will be served.
“The City Government of Bacolod strongly condemns this senseless act of violence against our law enforcement personnel. 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.
On the same day prior to the operation, Galvez had successfully served multiple warrants of arrest showing his dedication and commitment to his duties to serve and protect, the mayor said.
Galvez was a former SWAT member and a highly decorated officer whose superiors held him in the absolute highest regard, he said.
“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.
Gasataya said he met with Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director, PCol. Eugene Rebadomia, and the family of Galvez Friday morning.
“We are in direct coordination with the BCPO to ensure the perpetrator is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
The mayor said the city government has extended immediate assistance to the family of Galvez and remains committed to providing continued support throughout this difficult time.
“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 said.*
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