“May plano si Lord…I love you very much anak ko. I’m very proud of [you].” – Hector Baggay, father of fallen police officer Pat Harwin Curtney Baggay
When parents send their child into police service, they do so with a mixture of pride and quiet fear. They know their child has chosen a path that demands courage, discipline, and sacrifice. But nothing can prepare a parent for the moment when that path leads to unimaginable loss.
Grief for the passing of a loved one is immeasurable. It may be shared by the family, community and the whole country, yet for parents, the pain is deep and permanent. Behind the medals, folded flags, and ceremonial salutes, there is an empty seat at the dinner table. A birthday uncelebrated. A voice never heard again.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, PNP Chief, joins the entire nation in mourning the loss of a brave officer, Patrolman Harwin Curtney Baggay, whose final act of service in Quezon City on June 30, 2025, has forever etched his name in the hearts of those he served. PGen Torre personally paid his respect and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family during the wake held on July 1 at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel in Camp Karingal, Quezon City.
Pat Baggay, together with his buddy, Pat Gregorio, from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), responded to a robbery incident along Katipunan Avenue at around 2:30 AM of June 30, which unfortunately led to the death of the former.
The two police officers were stationed in front of Benigno Aquino Elementary School in Barangay Commonwealth, when they heard successive gunshots approximately 25 meters from their post. Upon arrival at the scene, Pat Baggay unknowingly approached and engaged the suspect. As he turned his back, he was shot by the suspect in the left arm, with the bullet passing through his chest. Though wounded, Pat Baggay managed to fire back, while his partner successfully neutralized the suspect. The wounded cop was immediately rushed to Rosario Maclang Hospital, but was declared dead at 3:38 AM by the attending physician.
Two bystanders were also injured during the incident. One, identified as “Sonny,” sustained gunshot wounds at his left upper arm and trunk, while “Irah Mae,” was struck by a bullet fragment. Both were safely brought to Rosario Maclang Hospital for further medical attention.
Records from the Investigation Solution Automatic Verification (ISAV) system revealed that suspect “Rolando Villiarete” had a criminal history, including a June 2024 charge for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms), and prior cases of Alarms and Scandals in January and July 2018, as well as Attempted Homicide in November 2015 and October 2017.
PGen Torre posthumously awarded Pat Baggay the ‘Medalya ng Kadakilaan’ for his heroism, courage, and dedication to duty. Pat Gregorio received the ‘Medalya ng Kagalingan’ for his bravery and quick response. Financial assistance from PSMBFI and QCPD, through the Damayan Cooperative, was also handed over to the families of both officers.
Alarmed in the recent deaths of police officers in armed encounters, PGen Torre ordered all police commanders to review the operational procedures to mitigate similar risks. He also emphasized the importance of caution, especially in responding swiftly to incidents through 911.
“We are reviewing our procedures, [and] our equipment. I-revisit lang natin iyon, titingnan natin para at least ma-mitigate natin ang danger sa ating mga pulis,” said PGen Torre during an interview at the wake of Pat Baggay.
Meanwhile, Pat Baggay’s parents, Hector Tongdo Baggay, Principal of Malagnat Elementary School, and Carolina Liggayo Baggay, a Public School District Supervisor in Northern Pinukpuk, could only reminisce about their son’s childhood, describing him as someone “palabiro and with deep thoughts”. Even before joining the police force, he spent four years as a teachers, beloved by his students.
With a heavy heart, the entire PNP pays tribute to Pat Baggay’s unwavering dedication and the ultimate sacrifice he made in service to the Filipino people. The remains of the 28-year-old fallen hero were brought to their residence in Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga on July 2, with the funeral service scheduled on July 9 at their family house in Taga, Pinukpuk.
Every day, police officers across the country rise with a sense of duty that goes beyond personal comfort or safety. They wear their uniforms knowing the risks, yet choose to serve with courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to protect others. The story of Pat Baggay is a solemn reminder of the silent sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform – lives lived in service, sometimes given in the line of duty. Their bravery sustains the peace we often take for granted, and for every fallen officer, the nation owes a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid but is always remembered.
