ILOILO CITY: A police officer was shot dead by a high-value individual he had been surveilling in Barangay Polot-an, Pototan, Iloilo, on Monday morning, April 8.

The victim was identified as Cpl. Reo Manero, a member of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office-Police Drug Enforcement Unit, who was stationed at the Pototan Municipal Police Station.

Based on the initial investigation, authorities said that the suspect, Michael Solis, opened fire upon realizing that Manero was an operative.

Four gunshots were reportedly heard in the crime scene, with the last one believed to be the finishing shot.

Manero was unable to retaliate since his weapon was still tied up to his holster when he was brought to the hospital.

Meanwhile, CCTV footage showed that Solis immediately fled his house in Barangay Polot-an on a motorcycle.

In a hot pursuit, he was shot dead by police authorities when he was intercepted at around 9 p.m. on Monday in the middle of a field in Barangay Sohoton, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

According to Col. Ronaldo Palomo, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), Solis fired at the police, forcing them to retaliate. He was hit at the shoulder and back.

Recovered from the suspect was a.45 caliber pistol believed to be used in Manero's killing, along with the motorcycle he used to flee.

The IPPO chief said one of their operatives underwent a medical examination after narrowly escaping a bullet while wearing a bulletproof vest during Solis' initial shootout with the police.

Palomo said that aside from the automatic benefits given to members of the Philippine National Police, additional assistance will be extended by the IPPO.

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has also extended condolences to the bereaved family of Manero.

"The PRO-6 is saddened by the untimely demise of Police Corporal Reo Manero. As we mourn his passing, the PRO-6 men and women extend their gratitude for his services rendered to the country and people," it said.