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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Cop missing during encounter found dead

Cop missing during encounter found dead

Published Dec 7, 2025 09:24 pm
IBAY
IBAY
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) vowed justice over the death of a policeman who went missing during an encounter with an armed group in Barangay Menchaca, Calatrava town, Negros Occidental province on Sunday, Dec. 7.
Police Senior Master Sgt. Rommel Aguilar was among personnel of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company conducting an operation against a wanted person when a group of armed men reportedly opened fire at them, resulting to a brief firefight.
Troops were forced to disperse due to hostile fire and challenging terrain.
“We will not stop until justice is served. We are heartbroken by the loss of PSMS Aguilar, a brave police officer, a committed public servant, and a brother in uniform. His courage in protecting the people of Negros will never be forgotten,” said Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director.
Aguilar’s body was found past noon in Purok 5, Barangay Laga-an, Calatrava, approximately 20 kilometers from the town proper and inaccessible to vehicles due to bad weather.
The PRO-NIR said the victim was seeking help from residents when six armed men arrived and shot him.
A 58-year-old man from Sitio Tagda, Barangay Dolis, Calatrava preparing for a Sunday Mass was shot dead by gunmen who killed the police officer.
“We strongly condemn these brutal attacks against civilians and our police personnel. The loss of PSMS Aguilar is a deep tragedy for the entire PRO-NIR family,” said Ibay who honored his courage and service to the people of the province.
Ibay assured that they are mobilizing all available resources to ensure that the perpetrators are tracked down and brought to justice, stressing that the communities in Calatrava deserve peace, safety, and the full protection of the law.
“We will not relent until order is fully restored,” he said. The motive behind the attacks remains under investigation.

Related Tags

Deaths Police officer Calatrava Negros Occidental
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