ILOILO City – A police officer was shot dead yesterday while conducting surveillance on a wanted person in Barangay Polot-an, Pototan, Iloilo.
Police Corporal Reo Manero of Janiuay, Iloilo assigned to Pototan Police Station, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his body and head.
He was declared dead upon arrival at the Pototan Provincial Hospital.
Meanwhile, tagged as the suspect was Michael Solis, 41, of Barangay Polot-an, who fled after the incident.
According to Pototan police chief Major Jose Rey Pabalan, the incident happened at around 10 a.m. while the victim, who was in civilian clothes, was inside the compound of the suspect’s house.
“Sa aton initial investigation, nagkadto ang aton police to conduct surveillance against the suspect for his illegal activities. We don’t know kun estoryahon nya ang suspect or dakpon. Under investigation pa ang kaso,” Pabalan said.
A hot pursuit operation was immediately launched against Solis.
On Monday night, Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Colonel Rolando Palomo, confirmed the death of the suspect after he fought back.
It was learned that Solis was once accused of acts of lasciviousness, frustrated murder and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm.
On the other hand, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) was saddened by the untimely demise of Manero.
“As we mourn his passing, the PRO-6 men and women extend their gratitude for his services rendered to the country and people. We extend our sincerest and deepest sympathies to the bereaved family,” PRO-6 director Brigadier General Jack Wanky said./PN
