A police officer was killed after being shot during a buy-bust operation in Bacolod City on Thursday night, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Police Master Sergeant Romulo Galvez, a member of the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the Bacolod City Police Office.
According to the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region, operatives from Police Station 9 were conducting an anti-drug operation in Barangay Sincang when the incident occurred.
Authorities said the 32-year-old suspect suddenly drew a caliber .45 firearm and opened fire at Galvez during the operation. The officer was hit in the right thigh and was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment.
However, Galvez died early Friday due to hypovolemic shock, or severe blood loss, police said.
The suspect was arrested at the scene by responding operatives.
Recovered from the suspect’s custody were five sachets of suspected marijuana with an estimated value of ₱48,000, buy-bust money, and the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
Authorities said charges are being prepared against the suspect for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Additional charges of murder and illegal possession of firearms will also be filed.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Director PBGEN Arnold Thomas Ibay expressed condolences to the family of the slain officer.
Ibay assured the family that assistance and support would be provided following the death of Galvez, who was killed in the line of duty during the anti-drug operation.
