Cop killed in drug bust

CEBU, Philippines — A bemedalled policeman was killed after he was shot by the subjects of a drug buy-bust operation in Sitio Pagtambabayong, Barangay Kinasang-an, Cebu City at midnight yesterday.

Police Staff Sergeant Ryan Languido Baculi of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU)-7 acted as the poseur-buyer in transacting with Atong Rafols and Ramil "Namol" Salazar when the suspects realized they were dealing with a policeman.

It was then that Rafols, a former jail inmate and alleged hitman, suddenly pulled out a gun and shot Baculi in various parts of his body.

Baculi's colleagues, who were just in the vicinity, returned fire and hit one of the suspects in the arm. Rafols and Salazar, however, managed to escape.

Police Regional Office-7 Director Anthony Aberin already ordered a manhunt operation for the arrest of the two suspects.

The police are also investigating reports that a barangay tanod aided the two in evading authorities by having them ride a barangay vehicle.

Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, Police Regional Office-7 spokesperson, said that one of the suspects allegedly called his friend, who is a barangay tanod, for help.

The tanod allegedly responded by bringing a barangay vehicle, which Rafols and Salazar used in escaping.

“Nganong wala gisumbong sa police? Anyway, these are initial information.... We are not judging anyone but we cannot also close our eyes to this very important detail, that we need to address in order to know what really happened before, during, and after the incident,” Pelare said.

Baculi, who has five children, was rushed to the nearest hospital but the attending physician pronounced him dead on arrival.

The police said Rafols has a previous murder and frustrated murder cases and that he was a gun-for-hire who deals with drug dealers who fail to remit payments.

Baculi, 32, was from Zaragoza, Aloguinsan, Cebu. He was a multi-awarded police officer whom colleagues described as a hardworking policeman.

Prior to his passing, he received numerous awards, medals, and commendations, like the Medalya ng Papuri, Medalya ng Kagalingan, Medalya ng Pagkilala, Medalya ng Paglilingkod Laban Sa Kriminalidad, Medalya ng Pagtulong sa Nasalanta, Medalya ng Kasanayan, Medalyang Paglaban sa Manliligalig, Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Visayas, among others, some of which he received multiple times.

"Ultimate sacrifice"

During its session yesterday, the Cebu City Council condoled with Baculi's family and posthumously commended him for his heroic act, which had him pay the "ultimate sacrifice" in his service to the Cebuano community.

“His unfortunate passing is extremely difficult and painful to his family and loved ones…With this expression of heartfelt sympathies and condolences, the Cebu City Government joins the bereaved family and the entire police force in beseeching the Almighty for the grant of eternal rest and peace upon the soul of PCpl Ryan Baculi,” read the resolution authored by City Councilor Rey Gealon.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice in doing his duty, protecting Cebuanos, and ensuring the safety of the people…. His sincere devotion to serving and protecting the Cebuano community will always be remembered… The City of Cebu is beyond grateful for his service and sacrifice. His bravery and tireless work is beyond measure,” it added. — /RHM (FREEMAN)