Saturday, July 12, 2025

QC cop, robber die in shootout

A Quezon City policeman and a robber died in a shootout in the city last Monday morning, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) reported.

The slain policeman was identified as Patrolman Curtney Baggay, detailed with the QCPD’s District Tactical and Motorized Unit.

The slain suspect was Rolando Villarete, 33, a welder, from Barangay Payatas, Quezon City, who had previous criminal records of illegal possession of firearms, alarms and scandal, and attempted homicide.

The QCPD said Baggay and a fellow policeman heard consecutive shots some 25 meters away from the Benigno Aquino Elementary School in Barangay Commonwealth where they were posted.

It turned out it was a robbery in progress that resulted in the wounding of two people, identified only as Sonny and Irah Mae.

The suspect shot the responding policemen, hitting Baggay in the chest and arm.

Baggay, though wounded, and his companion returned fire, leading to the death suspect.

Baggay was brought to the Rosario Maclan Hospital, where he later died.

“The QCPD mourns the untimely passing of a courageous and dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of his sworn duty,” the QCPD said in a statement.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Patrolman Harwin Curtney Baggay and assure them of our full support in this time of grief,” it added.

Baggay’s death came three days after a Danao City policeman, Patrolman Mark Gomer Ornopia Sr., also died during the performance of his duty.

Ornopia and a jail officer responded to a report about an armed individual who took the service firearm of a pawnshop security guard. The suspect attempted to shoot the guard but the firearm malfunctioned.

During the chase, the suspect opened fire at the lawmen, fatally hitting Ornopia. The jail officer returned fire, killing the suspect.

National Police Commission chairman Rafael Vicente Calinisan paid tribute to the slain policemen.

“Two officers have died in succession—this is a grim testament to the fact that the life of a policeman is lived with one foot already in the grave,” said Calininasa.

“Our police are doing their best to keep our streets and communities safe,” added Calinisan.

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