Anti-drug operative killed in Bacolod drug bust

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Police Master Sgt. Romulo Galvez Jr. and vowed to pursue justice.

Galvez, a member of the drug enforcement team of Police Station 9, was reportedly shot dead by a 32-year-old man during a buy-bust operation outside a motel in Barangay Singcang-Airport here on Thursday.

According to authorities, the suspect suddenly pulled out a .45-caliber pistol during the operation and hit Galvez in the right thigh.

He was rushed to a hospital by fellow officers but died past midnight on Friday due to severe blood loss.

The suspect was quickly subdued and arrested at the scene.

Police recovered five sachets of suspected marijuana worth about PHP 48,000, the PHP 500 marked money, and the murder weapon — a pistol with a magazine loaded with five live rounds.

Authorities are preparing multiple charges against the suspect, including drug-related offenses, murder, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, honored Galvez’s sacrifice.

“This is a sad day, and with heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Police Master Sgt. Galvez who gave his life in the line of duty,” Ibay said, adding that his courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Ibay also directed units to provide immediate support to the slain officer’s family and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to continuing its anti-drug campaign.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) also mourned the death of Galvez, who was a former member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Police Col. Eugene Rebadomia, BCPO director, expressed grief over the loss of one of their veteran warrant officers and operatives.

“In the name of service, commitment to duty, and offering one’s life for the safety of the people. He is a true warrior who at the middle of the night while others was asleep, he was out in streets fighting for criminals who is a notorious drug dealer, akyat-bahay suspect and hold-up suspect always armed and victimizing innocent people,” the BCPO stated.

Rebadomia said Galvez gave his life in the performance of duty in bringing a criminal to justice.

Galvez was previously assigned in Sulu before joining the BCPO as a SWAT member. He later took on the role of warrant and anti-drug operative and had received many commendations and medals, bringing pride to the city police force.

The flag at the BCPO is currently at half-staff in honor of the slain officer.

Meanwhile, the city government strongly condemned the act of violence against Galvez.

In a statement, Mayor Greg Gasataya said “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 met with Galvez’s wife and extended financial assistance to the family, committing to provide continued support throughout the ordeal.

He also met with Rebadomia to ensure the perpetrator is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Gasataya said Galvez died a hero in the line of duty, making the ultimate sacrifice in the city’s ongoing pursuit of peace, justice, and the eradication of the illegal drug trade. “His bravery will not be forgotten,” he added.

“We honor his sacrifice by ensuring that the justice he so bravely defended is delivered absolutely and without compromise,” the mayor said.

Galvez’s wife, in a media interview, mourned the loss. She hopes the suspect will face the full consequences of his actions.

She thanked her husband for providing for their family and for being true to his profession, calling him a hero who sacrificed his life for public safety.