ORMOC CITY— A high-value individual (HVI) listed in the Philippine National Police’s drug watchlist was killed during a buy-bust operation after engaging police in a gunfight, while two of his companions were arrested, on Saturday, April 12, in Barangay Balud, Calbayog City.
The fatality was identified as alias “Tonyo,” of legal age, jobless, and a resident of Brgy. Balud. His two arrested companions were identified as alias “Joe,” 29, and alias “Vince,” 24 — both also jobless and listed as HVIs, and residents of Barangay East Awang.
According to police, the buy-bust operation was launched at around 5:40 pm, targeting alias “Joe.” Undercover operatives were able to purchase a sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 from him.
After the transaction, the poseur buyer gave the pre-arranged signal to indicate the buy-bust was successful.
However, the suspects sensed the presence of approaching police officers. Alias “Tonyo” attempted to evade arrest by jumping from a second-floor window and fleeing across rooftops, while “Joe” and “Vince” offered no resistance and were immediately apprehended.
A hot pursuit ensued for alias “Tonyo,” who allegedly fired a .38 caliber revolver at the pursuing police officers.
The team returned fire, hitting the suspect in various parts of his body. He was brought by Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) personnel to Calbayog District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival at 7:35 pm by his attending physician.
The two arrested suspects were apprised of the nature of their arrest and informed of their constitutional rights through the Miranda Doctrine in a language they understood.
Charges for violation of Sections 5 (sale of illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the two, who are currently detained at the Calbayog City Police Station.
Meanwhile, the remains of alias “Tonyo” were brought to a local funeral parlor for autopsy. (ROBERT DEJON)
