Minglanilla cop chief on cop killed in buy-bust operation: He was a fine police officer

PO2 Evie Espina of the Minglanilla Police Station was killed in action in the government’s war against drugs. He left behing a wife and four children.
in Central Visayas (PRO-7)

“We lost one of the finest police officers in our war against drugs.”

This was how Chief Insp. Vernino Noserale, Minglanilla Police Station chief, described the late PO2 Evie Espina, who was shot dead by a drug suspect during an anti-illegal drug operation on Monday night.

Noserale and the members of the Minglanilla Police Station said they were grieving a fellow police officer’s passing especially one who died during a police operation.

Espina was among the members of the Drug Enforcement Unit of the town who conducted a buy-bust operation against a high value target Juvie Franza in Sitio Bacay, Barangay Tulay.

During the operation, Franza realized that Espina, the person he was dealing with was a police officer.

Franza pulled out a gun and shot Espina several times in the body.

Espina’s fellow officers fired back and a shootout ensued with Franza running to a row of houses nearby.

Pursuing officers cornered Franza and killed him in the shootout that followed.

Chief Supt. Robert Quenery also recognized Espina’s heroism and also mourned his passing.

“The PNP mourns the death of PO2 Evie Espina, a member of the Minglanilla Police Station. who was killed in action while trying to subdue a notorious high value target drug personality after a buy-bust operation,” said Quenery.

“His gallantry and heroism shall always remind us to continue our firm resolve in eradicating the drug menace in our country even at the expense of our lives,” he said.

Espina left behind a wife and four children.