Balayan: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday expressed grief over the death of a police officer killed while pursuing a robbery suspect in Balayan, Batangas.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stated, 'We deeply mourn the loss of Police Staff Sergeant Von Rico Biba±o Macuha, who made the ultimate sacrifice while performing his duty. His courage and dedication to protecting the public will always be remembered by the Philippine National Police.'

Gen. Nartatez further added, 'PSSg Macuha's sacrifice reflects the courage of our police officers who continue to put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. As we honor our national heroes, we also recognize our modern-day heroes in uniform who serve with courage and selflessness.'

Macuha was shot in the head while his team was conducting a follow-up operation for robbery suspect Carlo Arcilla Sape in Barangay Sampaga on Aug. 30. According to initial investigation, police officers were pursuing Sape as he was fleeing from his temporary residence. The suspect allegedly fired at the lawmen from an elevated area, hitting Macuha.

The Batangas Police Provincial Office has deployed its Provincial Police Intelligence Unit and Provincial Mobile Force Company to support the continuing hot-pursuit operation for the suspect.

Gen. Nartatez assured Macuha's family that the PNP would provide all the necessary assistance due to the slain officer, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to ensure that police personnel and their families receive the support and assistance, especially for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.