PDEA Condems Killing of Agent in Cebu City

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Sunday expressed its “strong condemnation” on the killing of one of its agents in an ambush incident by unidentified gunmen in Cebu City.

PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino identified the slain PDEA agent as Investigation Agent III Earl “Baby” Rallos, 48, a resident of Labangon, Cebu City.

Aquino expressed his sincerest condolences to the family, and assured that “his death will not pass without worth as we will continue our fight against the illegal drugs industry.”

“For those who seek to harm us, we vow that for every life you take, we will grow stronger by tenfolds. We will not rest until this is over and we will not be threatened by your criminal acts,” the PDEA chief added.

Rallos, who is presently assigned at PDEA Regional Office VII (PDEA ROVII) Central Visayas as Deputy Chief of Operations, is a member of the Drug Enforcement Officers’ Basic Course (DEOBC) Class 2007-02, “Mapalad” of the PDEA Academy.

Last Friday afternoon, Rallos, who was driving on his way home, was gunned down by two unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants while traversing Villalon Street, Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City.

The gunmen immediately fled the scene and sped towards unknown directions.

Rallos sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of his body and died on the spot.

Five years ago, PDEA information officer Jesus “Jessie” Tabanao, then PDEA ROVII spokesperson, was also killed in an ambush while driving his car along Escario Street in Cebu City.

PDEA National Headquarters in Quezon City and Regional Offices have put their colors on half-mast as an expression of sorrow over Rallos’ death. (PNA)