By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said adjustments will be made to better protect officers following the death of a cop in an anti-illegal drugs operation in Bacolod City on April 9.
M/Sgt. Romulo Galvez Jr. was shot dead by drug suspect Ronilo Panuncial, 32, during a buy-bust in Barangay Singcang Airport.
Galvez, who served the PNP for 18 years, was interred at Forest Lake Memorial Park in Barangay Sum-ag on Sunday.
“May mga adjustments na ipapatupad (There are adjustments that will be implemented) to better protect our personnel. Lessons learned here will be immediately cascaded nationwide because safety of our personnel is non-negotiable. We will enhance backup, equipment, and coordination,” Nartatez said, as quoted in a news release over the weekend.
Nartatez said Galvez’ sacrifice strengthens the PNP’s resolve to carry out its mission “with greater discipline, unity and care for every police officer on the ground.”
“While we mourn, we remain committed. The sacrifice of our colleagues will not be in vain. We continue to honor their bravery by doing our duty better and more safely,” he said.
Galvez and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla visited Galvez’s wake in Bago City, Negros Occidental on Friday. They extended financial assistance to the family.
“Hindi namin pababayaan ang kanyang pamilya (We will not abandon his family),” Nartatez said. (PNA)
