The Lord must have a plan, says father of cop slain in QC shootout

More people could have fallen victim to the armed suspect with whom his son exchanged gunfire if the latter hadn't responded to the robbery on Commonwealth Avenue, Hector Baggay said at the wake of his son Harwin in Camp Karingal.

According to Nico Waje's report on "24 Oras," Patrolman Harwin Baggay, 28, was shot by the robber, who was also killed in the shootout.

“Siguro may plano si Lord…I love you very much, anak ko. I’m very proud of him…Kung hindi niya ginawa ‘yun, baka marami pang maho-holdup na mga tao kung hindi napatay yung suspect,” said Hector, whose family went to the police camp to mourn and honor his son.

(I think the Lord has a plan….I love you very much, my son. I’m very proud of him…If the suspect was not killed, many more individuals would have become victims.) 

Hector said that his son returned to their hometown last June 7 to attend his sibling’s wedding. Unknowingly, it will also be the last time they will see each other again. 

Harwin was a teacher until he joined the Philippine National Police.

“Four years na teacher na siya. Pero nung nag-pandemic, ang ginagawa na lang ng mga teachers noon ay gumagawa ng mga modules. Napag-isipan niya na maging police,” the proud father said. 

(He was a teacher for four years. But during the pandemic, teachers worked only on modules. So he decided to become a policeman.) 

Harwin and his buddy were responding to a robbery incident along Katipunan Street when the suspect managed to surprise and shoot them. 

The two cops returned fire, which fatally hit the suspect. Unfortunately, Harwin also died after the bullet hit his right arm and went through his chest. 

The food cart owner, who was held up by the suspect, and a bystander were also wounded in the shooting.

The suspect was identified as Rolando Villarete, 33, who had been arrested in the past for various violations such as illegal possession of firearms, alarm and scandal, and attempted homicide. 

Investigation indicated that the suspect had no accomplice. 

Philippine National Police chief General Nicolas Torre III and National Capital Region Police Office chief Brigadier General Anthony Aberin honored Harwin.

Torre gave Harwin a posthumous citation and a medal of valor, which was received by his family.

Meanwhile, Harwin’s partner cop was also recognized. 

“Tayo ay nalulungkot pero we celebrate his heroism. Talagang inalay ang buhay para sa serbisyo para sa iba,” the PNP chief said.

(We are saddened by what happened, but we celebrate his heroism. He dedicated his life to serving others.) 

Further, the PNP said it would review its procedures when responding to such incidents, mentioning measures such as the wearing of armored vests. –Vince Angelo Ferreras/NB, GMA Integrated News