Duterte visits wake of police officer killed in shootout with drug suspect

President Rodrigo Duterte visited early Wednesday the wake of a police officer who was killed in a shootout with a drug suspect in Pasig City.

Duterte was accompanied by Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa and other officials when he went to the wake of Police Officer 3 Wilfredo Gueta, according to a report on Unang Balita by Mav Gonzales.

LOOK: President Duterte and PNP Officials visited the wake of PO3 Wilfredo Gueta who was killed in a drug operation in Pasig City. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/X77afbGOGo

— Mav Gonzales (@mavgonzales) December 19, 2017

The President said he came to the wake to show his hate for drugs and to express his condolences to the family.

"You always extend your condolences to the family," he said.

"I'm here to show the people na galit talaga ako sa droga," Duterte added.

Gueta was killed on Monday afternoon after shooting it out with a drug suspect, who also died.

Police Officer 1 Raymond dela Cruz, who was with Gueta during the police operation, said they were conducting validation in Caniogan when the latter saw suspect Roberto Liaguno.

The suspect has a standing warrant of arrest, dela Cruz said.

When Gueta peeked inside the window of a house, the suspect fired at the cops, prompting them to fire back.

Gueta was hit by a bullet on the chest and died at a hospital.

Dela Cruz sustained a gunshot wound on the leg.

The suspect, meanwhile, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Gueta's family was overcome with grief, especially since Christmas was just a few days away.

Family members admitted they are now afraid that the suspect's relatives may take revenge on them.

Gueta's widow Sally appealed to Duterte to ensure the safety of her family as they are fearing for their own lives.

She also asked Duterte for help so their children can finish school.

Gueta was awarded a medal for bravery posthumously. The award was given by dela Rosa and witnessed by National Capital Region Police Office chief Oscar Albayalde, Pasig Chief of Police Orlando Yebra, and other PNP officials.

Dela Cruz, meanwhile, was also given a medal for bravery and a gun.

Gueta's fellow police officers said they look up to the slain police officer for being their mentor. He always told them not to quit, and to always go home to their families.

Dela Rosa said Gueta will serve as an inspiration to policemen to stay focused and not be afraid. 

"Lalong na-inspire 'yung kapulisan sa kabayanihan ng ating mga kasamahan na nagbuwis ng buhay. So lalo kaming na-inspire," he said.

He added that Gueta's family will receive special financial assistance aside from the personal financial assistance already extended by Duterte and himself.

"We consider our man as hero," dela Rosa said.

"Lahat-lahat ng financial assistance na maibigay namin, ibibigay namin," he said.

The PNP chief said dela Cruz will be taken care of in the hospital. —KG, GMA News