ORMOC CITY-A member of the notorious Magbutay criminal gang was killed when he put up a gun fight with authorities during an entrapment operation at about 11:30 am on Thursday (Sept.7) in Barangay Bagacay, Calbayog City.
The suspect was identified as Ricky Casaljay, a resident of Brgy. Hamorawon in the said city. He was known to be a member of the Magbutay criminal gang which is operating in Calbayog City and nearby towns like Santa Margarita.
The suspect was caught in the act by joint forces from the Philippine National Police selling loose firearms in violation of RA 10591, the comprehensive law against illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions and explosives.
The police said that the joint operating units conducted an entrapment operation against the suspect with their asset was able to purchase a one-unit caliber 9mm revolver at P5,000 from him.
However, after the consumption of the transaction, the law enforcers rushed towards Casaljay to arrest him, he sensed and noticed the approaching police officers and immediately drew his firearm of unknown caliber and fired towards the operating team while trying to evade arrest.
This resulted for the government enforcers to fire back, hitting the suspect in the different parts of his body.
Casaljay was brought to the Calbayog District Hospital where he was declared as dead on arrival.
The police said that suspect was among the suspects in the ambush that killed Vicente Luzong Jr., 45, Angelito Lustico, 43 and Rachel Ann Bolinao, 14 and the wounding of two others in Brgy. Victory, also in Calbayog City last April 15 this year that also resulted in the wounding of two others including a barangay treasurer identified as Emy Casaljay and Lani Dealagdon.
Casaljay was arrested for illegal possession of firearms last May 10 this year but was released from prison after posting bail. (ROBERT DEJON)
