The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it has launched intensified operations to track down members of the New People’s Army (NPA) responsible for the killing of a police officer and a civilian in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio  Nartatez Jr. said members of the Mobile Force Company were conducting an operation against a wanted person when six armed men reportedly opened fire, sparking a brief exchange of gunfire. 

Police were forced to disperse due to hostile fire and difficult terrain, he added. 

Police Senior Master Sergeant Rommel Aguilar, of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company, was killed in a firefight with NPA gunmen on December 7 in Barangay Menchaca. 

Also, a civilian, identified as Mando Ugdiman, 58, who was preparing for Sunday Mass, was also killed in the attack.

“The Philippine National Police extends its deepest condolences to the family of one of our personnel and the civilian who lost their lives in this attack,” Nartatez said. 

“We deployed additional forces to hunt down those responsible, and we are collating pieces of evidence to build a case against them.”

Nartatez emphasized the PNP’s commitment to supporting the family of the fallen officer and ensuring public safety in insurgency-affected areas.

The PNP vowed to strengthen coordination between law enforcement and local authorities in the protection of civilians and holding armed groups accountable for violent attacks.

“Ang seguridad ng mamamayan at ng ating mga pulis ay hindi namin isasakripisyo. We will pursue all necessary legal and operational measures to prevent further incidents,” Nartatez said.

The PNP also appealed to local communities to provide information that could help apprehend the suspects and urged the NPA to cease violent activities and pursue peaceful engagement.