A policeman died when he was shot by the subject of a buy-bust operation in Bacolod City evening on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

According to the Bacolod City Police, Master Sergeant Romulo Galvez, Jr. died in the hospital following hypovolemic shock or blood loss.

The subject of the bust, a certain Ronilo, shot him in the thigh using a .45 caliber pistol.

The incident happened in Barangay Singcang Airport where authorities followed the suspect from Barangay Sum-ag, the original site for the bust.

“Nag-change venue ang suspect. Nag-check-in kasi siya sa lodging house,” said Col. Eugene Rebadomia, OIC of the Bacolod City Police Office.

It was when authorities posing as buyers were about to swap payment with the drugs from the suspect when Ronilo opened fire.

Rebadomia said it was not the first time Ronilo fought it out with authorities. He also allegedly did it in another drugs case and has been linked to robbery in Sum-ag.

“Ito siya, notorious siya based sa mga record niya. Doon sa Sum-ag, kilala siya sa robbery, then ang isa sa (RA) 9165 sa drugs rin before, nanlaban rin sya sa intel,” Rebadomia said.

The suspect is facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and for murder.

Galvez’ widow, Janice, could not believe her husband died while at work.

“Hindi ko matanggap. Mahal ko siya. Bigla niya kaming iniwan. Para sa akin, isa siyang hero,” she said.