Cop dies of cardiac arrest in Aklan drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A policeman died of cardiac arrest during an anti-narcotics operation in Lezo, Aklan, on the morning of Oct. 31.

It was initially believed that Staff Sgt. Ralph John Silverio, a member of the Lezo Police Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET), had died of electrocution.

Capt. Gilbert Batiles, Lezo police chief, said a medical report confirmed cardiac arrest as the immediate cause of death.

Batiles said they were about to conduct a buy-bust operation against a target in Barangay Carugdog, Lezo, when Silverio suddenly collapsed.

As he tried to steady himself, he grabbed an electrical wire, which was eventually snapped due to his tight grip.

Silverio, 44, a resident of Poblacion, Lezo, was rushed to the hospital, and the operation was aborted.

Doctors attempted to revive him, but he died an hour after the incident.

It was learned that Silverio had celebrated his birthday just a day before the operation.

On the day of his death, he also marked his 14th year in police service.