Missing cop found dead after Calatrava armed clash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has vowed to pursue justice for Police Staff Master Sgt. Rommel Aguilar, who was found dead after going missing during an armed encounter in Barangay Menchaca, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

Aguilar, a member of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company, was part of a team conducting an operation to arrest a wanted person when they were ambushed by an unidentified armed group.

The brief firefight forced the police team to scatter due to intense gunfire and the area’s difficult terrain.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, mourned Aguilar’s death, calling him a brave and dedicated public servant.

Aguilar’s body was discovered past noon in Purok 5, Barangay Laga-an — an isolated area about 20 kilometers from the town center.

According to a report from PRO-NIR, residents said Aguilar had been seeking help before six armed men arrived and shot him.

Earlier that day, the same suspects allegedly killed a 58-year-old man in Sitio Tagda, Barangay Dolis, while he was preparing to attend Sunday Mass.

Ibay condemned the attacks on both civilians and law enforcement officers, assuring the public that PRO-NIR is deploying all available resources to locate and apprehend the perpetrators.

He stressed that the people of Calatrava deserve peace and protection under the law.

“We will not relent until order is fully restored,” Ibay said.

“We will not stop until justice is served. We are heartbroken by the loss of PSMS Aguilar. His courage in protecting the people of Negros will never be forgotten,” he added in a statement.

Ibay also assured Aguilar’s family that all benefits and assistance due to them will be provided without delay.

“We grieve with you. Your loss is our loss. This is a deep tragedy to the entire PRO-NIR,” he said.

The motive behind the attacks remains under investigation.

The Calatrava Municipal Police Station, supported by units from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and the Philippine Army, has intensified its investigation and pursuit operations against the armed group believed to be active in the town’s upland areas.

PRO-NIR and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have also committed to securing affected communities while the investigation continues.