A Kalinga-born police officer and a suspected robber were killed, while two civilians were injured during an early morning shootout in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City on June 30.
The fallen officer was identified as Patrolman Curtney Harwin Baggay, a native of Pinukpuk, Kalinga.
The unidentified suspect, believed to be between 25 and 35 years old, stood around 5’4″ and was wearing a black shirt with Skeptron markings, black jogging pants, and slippers.
Civilians identified by aliases “Sonny” and “Irah” were injured after being hit by stray bullets during the exchange.
According to the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU-QCPD), the encounter occurred around 2:30 a.m. during a response to a robbery incident.
Initial findings by investigators PSSg Randy Narciso and PSSg Charlie Julaton revealed that Patrolman Baggay and his partner Patrolman Robert Gregorio were stationed near the Benigno Aquino Elementary School gate on Katuparan Street for routine police visibility when they heard gunshots.
The officers immediately responded and arrived at the location within 30 seconds, where Baggay encountered the suspect.
As Patrolman Baggay turned to pursue the fleeing man, the suspect allegedly fired, hitting Baggay.
Despite being wounded, Baggay managed to return fire, hitting the suspect before other officers arrived to neutralize him.
It was later determined that the suspect had earlier robbed “Sonny” and fired at a companion, accidentally wounding “Irah” with a stray bullet.
All victims were rushed to the hospital, but Patrolman Baggay was declared dead on arrival.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, while the Quezon City Police District extended its condolences to Baggay’s family and honored his bravery in the line of duty.