Cebu City - Staff Sgt. Ryan Baculi, a highly commended police officer, was tragically killed in a drug sting operation in Cebu. Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-7, confirmed the incident that occurred during a buy-bust operation led by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-7.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation took place at Sitio Pagtambayayong in Kinasang-an village after midnight on Wednesday. Baculi was acting as the poseur buyer when the suspects, identified as Atong Rafols and Ramil Salazar, also known as 'Namol,' shot him multiple times. Despite being awarded multiple times for his heroic actions in previous operations, Baculi succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. Pelare disclosed that although Baculi's partner shot at the suspects, injuring Rafols, both managed to escape. The police are now actively pursuing the suspects and have vowed to support Baculi's family. The incident has prompted a review of police operational procedures to determine if improvements are needed. Despite this tragic loss, Pelare assured the public that the police would continue their fight against illegal drugs, albeit with increased caution.