It is a day of grief for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as one of its operatives died in the line of duty.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez identified the fallen agent as Intelligence Officer I Raffy Escobido, 31 years old, who was assigned at the PDEA Regional Office IV-A Regional Special Enforcement Team 2. He was a member of the Drug Enforcement Officers’ Basic Course (DEOBC) Class 2017-11 “Gandilan” of the PDEA Academy.

Agent Escobido passed away while undergoing intensive care in a hospital. He succumbed to a gunshot wound in the head he suffered during a buy-bust operation that turned into a shootout with two heavily-armed drug personalities in Calamba City, Laguna in the evening of July 20, 2025. Onboard their vehicle, the suspects were able to elude arrest, prompting a massive manhunt operation against them.

Undersecretary Nerez ordered the national and regional offices of the Agency to put their colors on half-mast as an expression of solidarity and mourning over Escobido’s death. “We are deeply saddened by the untimely loss of one of our own. We extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in eternal peace”, he said.

“PDEA will make sure that Escobido’s death will not be in vain. We will remain unfaltering on the ideals he died for. This will only heighten our resolve to pursue every member of the illegal drugs industry. For those behind this dastardly act, we will not rest until you face the full force of the law”, the PDEA Chief warned.