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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PDEA agent wounded in Laguna shootout passes away

PDEA agent wounded in Laguna shootout passes away

Published Jul 24, 2025 02:42 pm
(PDEA PHOTO)
(PDEA PHOTO)
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent, who sustained a gunshot wound in the head, during the July 20 Laguna shootout with two heavily-armed drug suspects, passed away in a hospital.
PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez identified the “fallen agent’’ as Intelligence Officer I Raffy Escobido, 31, who was assigned at the agency's Regional Office IV-A Regional Special Enforcement Team 2. 
Escobido was a member of the Drug Enforcement Officers’ Basic Course (DEOBC) Class 2017-11 “Gandilan” of the PDEA Academy.
At present, the PDEA has yet to release the day and time of Escobido’s demise.
During the Calamba City buy-bust operation, two drug suspects sensed the presence of the operatives prompting them to quickly speed away onboard their vehicle with license plate NIN-5940, resulting in a shootout.
As gunfires were exchanged, Escobido sustained a gunshot wound in the head with the suspects speeding away and eventually evading arrest.
The injured PDEA agent was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital after the encounter with the bullet wound leaving him in comatose before his death.
Calling it a day of grief for the PDEA, Nerez ordered the national and regional offices of the agency to put their colors on half-mast as an expression of solidarity and mourning over Escobido’s death. 
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely loss of one of our own. We extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Nerez said.
“PDEA will make sure that Escobido’s death will not be in vain. We will remain unfaltering on the ideals he died for. This will only heighten our resolve to pursue every member of the illegal drugs industry. For those behind this dastardly act, we will not rest until you face the full force of the law,” Nerez pointed out.
Nerez noted that “it is a harsh reality that every time PDEA agents go out for an operation, they are putting their lives and limbs on the line to apprehend armed and dangerous drug traffickers. 
“It is a risk they have to take in the performance of duty,” Nerez added.
Nerez vowed that the PDEA and the other law enforcement agencies are now conducting a massive manhunt for the suspects.
“PDEA will chase you down. There is no way you can outrun the long arm of the law,” Nerez assured.
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