A POLICE officer was killed following an encounter with a person involved in indiscriminate firing on Sunday, November 13, 2022.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Police Corporal Noel Ugano, a Swat member, was killed while Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Castillo was wounded in an operation aimed at pacifying suspect Martin Luther Nuñez.

Nuñez allegedly fired shots in Barangay Pasong Putik in Quezon City after discovering a broken window of his vehicle.

Police responded at the scene, resulting in a chase that led to Nuñez’s residence in Barangay 177, Caloocan City.

Amid negotiations for him to surrender, Nuñez fired shots against the police.

Police retaliated and killed the suspect.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III said there were already many complaints logged at the barangay against Nuñez.

Azurin is expected to visit the wake of Ugano.

“It's very unfortunate that another life of our PNP died. Ang consolation na lang natin doon is he died in the line of duty. Nakikiramay tayo sa kanyang pamilya. While hindi ho maibsan ‘yung kalungkutan nung trahedya na nangyari sa pamilya, the only way that the PNP can somewhat console with the family is to fast-track ‘yung mga benefits and entitlements due him,” he said.

“Nakikiramay tayo, yes he died as a hero yesterday at the expense of his life,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)