Knife-Wielding Man Killed in Police Operation in Pavia, Iloilo

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Monday that a man armed with a knife was fatally shot during a police operation in Pavia, Iloilo, last Friday.

At a press briefing, PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III stated that a police officer fired his service firearm in self-defense. He explained, "One member of our police was compelled to use their service firearm to protect themselves."

Following the shooting, the suspect received first aid and was transported to the nearest hospital with assistance from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Unfortunately, the man was declared dead upon arrival.

Police reports indicate that the man’s family contacted emergency services after he reportedly threatened them. Although the suspect was only armed with a knife, the circumstances leading to the officer discharging his weapon are currently under investigation.

General Torre added that the incident has prompted the PNP to consider arming officers with non-lethal tools such as batons or pepper spray to better manage similar situations in the future.