THE Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) mourned the death of Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) Harry Mangiga Palao-ay, who drowned while in the line of duty on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Palao-ay, 42, was a native of La Trinidad, Benguet, and a devoted family man.
“PEMS Palao-ay died with his boots on — upholding his oath to serve and protect, even in the face of peril. His passing is a great loss not only to NSPPO but to the entire Philippine National Police,” said NSPPO director Colonel Sonnie Omengan.
“We honor his bravery, professionalism, and his selfless service he rendered to the people of Northern Samar,” he added.
Palao-ay was assigned to the Northern Samar Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (NSPECU), a highly specialized and high-risk unit tasked with responding to bomb threats, processing post-blast scenes, and assisting in complex investigations.
After performing crime scene processing duties in connection with an armed encounter in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on Saturday, the motorboat carrying Palao-ay and his team capsized while returning from the operation, according to the police provincial office.
“His expertise and courage were instrumental in many of the province’s sensitive operations. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his colleagues and the communities he helped protect,” NSPPO said in a statement. (Ronald O. Reyes/SunStar Philippines)
