BATANGAS — A police officer was killed while pursuing a robbery suspect in Balayan, Batangas, highlighting the continuing risks faced by law enforcement personnel in operations against criminal suspects.
Police Staff Sergeant Von Rico Bibaño Macuha was shot in the head on Aug. 30 during a follow-up operation against robbery suspect Carlo Arcilla Sape in Barangay Sampaga.
Initial investigation showed that police officers were pursuing Sape after he fled from his temporary residence. The suspect allegedly fired at the officers from an elevated area, striking Macuha.
The Batangas Police Provincial Office has deployed its Provincial Police Intelligence Unit and Provincial Mobile Force Company to reinforce the continuing hot-pursuit operation for the suspect.
The case is also a reminder of the risks faced by police officers across the country as they respond to criminal activity and pursue suspects believed to be armed.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. expressed grief over Macuha’s death and praised the officer’s courage and dedication to public service.
“We deeply mourn the loss of Police Staff Sergeant Von Rico Bibaño Macuha, who made the ultimate sacrifice while performing his duty,” Nartatez said.
He described Macuha’s sacrifice as reflective of the courage of police officers who continue to put their lives on the line to keep communities safe.
The PNP chief also assured Macuha’s family that the police organization would provide the necessary assistance following the officer’s death.
The support is being extended in line with directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure that police personnel and their families receive assistance, particularly those who make the ultimate sacrifice while in service.
Nartatez said police officers should also be recognized as modern-day heroes alongside the country’s national heroes.
The pursuit of Sape remains ongoing as police intelligence and mobile-force units assist local authorities in locating the suspect.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the robbery case.
